Leung is running against independent whistle blower Jason Poon Chuk-hung, as well as Marcus Liu Tin-shing from New People's Party, and Stanley Ng Chau-pei from Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions.

All candidates except Poon are making “emergency” appeals to voters even before polling started at 8.30am today.

Leung, who did not appear well, said he did not have enough sleep recently.

He was targeted online earlier after he said in an election forum that his party has been campaigning to establish a MTR station in Sai Wan Ho – when he in fact meant Siu Sai Wan.

Asked if he faced immense pressure, Leung said it was a “special experience” for him and that it has encouraged him to do better.

Federation of Trade Union's' Alice Mak Mei-kuen, who is contesting in the Election Committee constituency, said all of the party's candidates were in danger. Ng said a rumor saying he “will definitely win” is false.

New People's Party chairwoman Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee said all her partymates contesting in geographical constituencies face fierce competition and need every vote.

The party used to focus on Island East, but now Hong Kong Island has been divided into two constituencies and new supporters are needed, she said.