Some politicians in Hong Kong are worried that the athletes will campaign on behalf of pro-Beijing candidates.

Pro-democracy candidates mostly routed pro-Beijing candidates in elections on Nov. 23 for 400 seats on various local councils here.

In contrast, the pro-Beijing and pro-business candidates placed more emphasis on economic growth and social stability.

He considered the latter battle a victory because of the number of votes he got in a district which traditionally supports pro-Beijing candidates.

Pro-democracy candidates mostly prevailed over pro-Beijing candidates on Sunday in the first elections here since three huge rallies last summer.

The success of more pro-Beijing candidates than expected might have the unexpected effect of making the Chinese Communist Party a little less leery of tolerating democratic changes here.

But the elections will sharply restrict the electoral franchise in a way designed to insure the dominance of the business elite and pro-Beijing candidates.

He considered the latter battle in 2003 a victory from the number of votes he got in the Kam Ping constituency which traditionally supports pro-Beijing candidates.

They want to make certain that businessmen and pro-Beijing candidates are elected.

The Association plays important coordination roles in the election campaigns for the Pro-Beijing camp by mobilising members of its affiliated groups to vote for the pro-Beijing candidates.