HONG KONG - Three candidates running for chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ( SAR) took part in their first joint election debate Friday night, putting forward their campaign messages.  

Hong Kong Chief Executive candidates (L-R) Leung Chun-ying, Henry Tang and Albert Ho stand on the stage before a live television debate in Hong Kong March 16, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

At the beginning of the two-hour debate, jointly organized by 11 media groups, a host invited three candidates, namely Leung Chun-ying, former convenor of the Non-Official Members of the Executive Council of Hong Kong, Henry Tang, former chief secretary of the SAR government, and Albert Ho, a lawmaker who is also head of a local political party, on stage to answer questions raised by 150 audience and media representatives.

Sparks flew during the debate broadcasting live on TV, with each candidate giving serious answers to questions referring to governance, politics, economy, education, housing and other greatly concerned issues.

The three candidates were nominated on February 29, with Leung, winning supports from 305 members and Tang receiving supports from 390 out of the 1,200 election committee members. Ho's nomination was endorsed by 188 committee members.

The election will be held on March 25, 2012, to select Hong Kong's next head. The main polling station and the central counting station will be located at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

Incumbent Chief Executive Donald Tsang is barred from seeking a third term.