Voters believe polls will elect competent lawmakers

Over 70 percent of Hong Kong voters interviewed in a recent survey said they believe that the upcoming LegCo election will elect competent lawmakers to better serve Hong Kong's interests.

The survey, which was released on Friday, found that the improved electoral system ensures that all candidates are patriots who sincerely uphold the Basic Law and aspire to serve the public. The candidates are also considered capable of representing the interests of their sectors.

Conducted by the Bauhinia Institute think tank, the survey interviewed 1,528 registered voters from Dec 9 to 15.

Up to 75.8 percent of the voters surveyed said that the election will be fair and has broad representation. Over 60 percent of those surveyed are satisfied with the candidates' performance in the election buildup, the survey showed.

In the election, 153 candidates with diverse backgrounds will compete for 90 seats in three types of constituencies. It is also the first time since Hong Kong returned to the motherland that no seats will be filled automatically.

Researchers of the institution called on all voters to vote on Sunday to elect qualified lawmakers to improve the city's administration and local residents' welfare.