Dear Friends & Hong Kong Island Voters,

This is a very special moment for me – a moment of pride and a moment of humility.

I am greatly honoured by the trust the voters have placed in me to be their voice in the Legislative Council. You can be assured that, in turn, I will do everything in my power in the coming months to honour that trust.

I entered this by-election with a deep commitment to the democratic process. I was well aware that it would be no walkover- I have been competing against some able and highly-motivated opponents and a formidable electoral machine. I am all the more delighted therefore that, at the end of the day so many Hong Kong People chose to vote with their heart and give me this opportunity to serve them in a new role.

During my campaign, I have visited every corner of Hong Kong Island. I have listened to many voices and will continue to do so. I will listen not just to those who voted for me today, but to those who did not.

It is very clear to me that our society is becoming increasingly divided between "haves and have nots". We must not allow highly visible trappings of wealth and economic prosperity to mask the acute social and livelihood problems faced by many in our community. My experience on the campaign trail has convinced me - even more - that genuine democracy is the only way of ultimately safeguarding our freedoms and values and of building a compassionate, fair and more just society.

Finally, I want to acknowledge with warm gratitude the help and guidance of all my pan democrat friends, my advisors, my supporters, the untiring efforts of my campaign office and of course the loving support of my friends and family. I now look forward to getting down to work.

Anson Chan
3 December 2007