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1 June 1998
Message to Voters and Supporters of Hong Kong
On behalf of the Democratic Party, please accept my deepest
gratitude for your support, both during our year in the wilderness and
during the long and hard-fought election campaign.
The Legislative Council election results are an achievement
for the pro-democracy candidates who, since our ousting from the legislature
on 1 July 1997, have been denied the opportunity to represent those who
elected us. But perhaps more importantly, the results were a touching victory
for all the people of Hong Kong. In defying terrible weather and terrible
election laws, and the conventional wisdom that we do not want democracy,
we made our democratic aspirations known -- not only in Hong Kong, but
around the world.
The Democratic Party is very conscious of the historic
responsibility we now bear to represent the wishes of the Hong Kong people
who have spoken with tremendous clarity to say that they want to choose
their own leaders through democratic elections. We pledge to use our clear
mandate from the people to fight for full democracy in Hong Kong. We hope
that Hong Kong's vote can be a beacon to our compatriots in China and across
the region.
Thank you for your continuing support.
