p-2003 dc elections - there was a lot going on that year: sars, article 23 (subversion law), protests. DAB (pro-govt) didnt do so well, party leader resigned.
- media usually focuses on political parties, how many votes they get, who are the political stars
- dc's have 400 seats, many not famous, public not interested in all of them, press mainly focuses on party politics and stars
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SUGGESTION: should learn more about the background of the dc's. 1st election 1985. (legco was 1991)

total 527 dc's, 102 seats are appointed by the government - pro democracy people tend not to get appointed seats.
- so: even if democrats win a lot of seats in election, it doesnt mean that they can control the district councils

function of district councils: very limited. little info on government web page about district council.
- well being of ppl in distr
- public facilities
- environment
...can mean everything or nothing, depending on how much power the govt gives them.

in the past: also had regional councils and urban councils - then disbanded and power went to dc's.. but dc's still didnt have so much power

in 2005, donald tsang said dc's could manage local facilities, but there's still a question of limited power

why serve in dc?
- rising political stars
- parties want as many seats as possible because it impacts their government funds

political parties in hk are not very strong. DAB only has about 2000 members.
Democraticy party - only about 700 members
Civic Party - about 200
Liberal party probably less than 1000 (check from webpage)

so far not many stars have announced plans to run for dc elections

INTERESTING CANDIDATES?
vice chair of DAB - central/western district


new political groups or parties - how much political support can they gain in this election. for example civic party.

impossible for democratic party to win more seats than DAB. DAB has more candidates.
DAB may get more votes this year.
role of economy in people's sentiments

SUGGESTIONS:
- different backgrounds of different candidates
(27 seats are "royal council" - bruce kan??)
Anthony Cheung -exco. civic exchange - had a project last year in which he interviewed different district councils. asked people whether they feel they can serve the public adequately.
- interview different current dc members about their roles

public works projects - is there coordination between district councils?
tseung kwan o - environmental issues with a dumping area. local dcouncilors want the government to stop

wanchai - demolition of historical buildings

voter considerations:
-what youve done for district before, how long served
- how famous/well known/influential is the candidate
-political party affiliation

2003 elections - some very young candidates managed to win.