A survey by the University of Hong Kong has shown that a large majority of registered voters intend to cast their ballots at the district council elections on Sunday, but the amount of voters who have decided which poll candidate to vote for has decreased.
The Public Opinion Programme of the University of Hong Kong (HKUPOP) interviewed 1,052 registered voters between October 29 and November 4. Results showed that 71 percent of respondents plan to vote—up five percent from the same survey in 2011—but the proportion of those who have already decided how to vote has slipped seven points down to 30 percent.
According to HKUPOP Research Manager Frank Lee,”This means that the turnout rate in the coming election may be higher, but the effect of loyal voters may weaken.”
Around 73 percent of the registered voters surveyed said they know which political camps are running for office at the local level.
Candidates’ platform and political alignment were deemed the decisive factor for 41 percent of interviewees; 33 percent prioritised past performance and six percent emphasised personal background and campaign performance.
“People continue to value the candidate’s political background, which may be related to the recent political environment,” Lee said.
HKUPOP will also conduct exit polls on election day, November 22.
