Hong Kong’s Legislative Council election should go ahead as soon as possible now that the COVID-19 situation has stabilized in the city, says a pro-democracy nominee for the nursing sector.

Winnie Yu, who won in the July pro-democracy camp primary, slammed the government for “putting on a show.” She said the election could be held if stringent health precautions were taken, and it should happen as soon as possible.

There were seven new confirmed COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong on Saturday, the lowest single day increase during the city’s third wave of infections that began in July.

The Sept. 6 Legislative Council election was postponed by the government on July 31 for one year, citing concerns over the pandemic. However, almost 70% of respondents in a new survey conducted by the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute said they wished to restart the election as soon as possible.

“How can the government still use ‘the pandemic is very dangerous’ as an excuse to postpone the election?” Yu told Apple Daily. “This way, the public’s voice could be truly heard.”

Potential measures for voting day could include social distancing when queuing to vote, mandatory mask wearing, disinfection of items used for voting after each ballot was cast, and protective gear for staff, she said.

Yu said the government could review the situation and decide whether to hold the election on a month by month basis.

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