By Joseph Li (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-01-04 09:20

"The decision is totally in line with the actual situation in Hong Kong and will make the election go more smoothly," he added.

Asked if the election committee would welcome people from the opposition camp or those who insist on having dual universal suffrage in 2012, Lee said anyone who is qualified may run for election.

The NPC race is expected to see many new faces as nearly a dozen serving deputies won't seek re-election, citing old age and other reasons.

Those who have declared their intention to run include Michael Tien (former chairman of Kowloon-Canton Railway Corp), Fanny Law (former Commissioner of Independent Commission Against Corruption), Ian Fok (president of The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce), Liberal Party deputy chairman Miriam Lau, Executive Councilor Laura Cha, and ophthalmologist/professor Dennis Lam.

Michael Tien, the younger brother of Liberal Party chairman James Tien, said he wanted to run because he wished to do something for Hong Kong and the country.

He also said membership in the NPC would enable him to help solve problems Hong Kong businessmen encounter on the mainland.

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