Hong Kong held its first two government-run Legislative Council election forums on Tuesday with livelihood issues emerging as a key focus, as candidates highlighted their own platforms and ideas while largely refraining from questioning one another.

While the events were going on, the Post learned that at least two broadcasters cancelled their forums after candidates began pulling out soon after the government announced on Monday that it would for the first time hold such sessions.

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai hailed the first two of 39 forums – covering the New Territories South West constituency on Tuesday morning and the New Territories North East constituency in the afternoon – as smooth and orderly, and having achieved the goal of increasing public awareness of the election.

“The situation in both forums was quite ideal,” Tsang said, referring to the candidates’ performance in explaining their political platforms and views on different issues, as well as their supporters’ cheers.

“We believe that these forums have helped raise public awareness of [the election], and have achieved our expected goals.”

Asked about the limited interaction among candidates, Tsang said the government wanted to enhance the public’s understanding of the election and the hopefuls.