Hong Kong is set to hold its District Council Ordinary Election on November 24 to elect more than 450 members in 18 districts. But some fear that continued protests could delay the vote.  

Competition is fierce, challenges are big. The leader of the biggest pro-government party in Hong Kong said the party is facing its "toughest challenge" as anti-government protests have lasted for months.  

Activist Joshua Wong has also applied to compete in the poll. But there's a possibility of disqualification.

Non-partisan candidates are also facing challenges. Some are saying they cannot launch their campaigns because they are concerned about their personal safety and that of their campaign team.  

"We have riots and all that violence, how can I promote myself?" said Marcus Liu, a candidate from Hong Kong District Council, adding "I worry a lot about my volunteers. If I cannot protect them I'll feel guilty, right now Hong Kong is quite dangerous." 

The fear that the ongoing unrest would lead to postponement of the election even made officials come up with an alternative date.  

"We have designated December 1, one week after the official polling date, as an alternative date," said Patrick Nip Tak-Kuen, secretary of Constitutional & Mainland Affairs, in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, adding they'll have to "amend regulations to further postpone the date if the poll cannot be held before December 8."

All permanent residents of Hong Kong, aged 18 or above, can register as voters. Registered electors can vote in the Legislative Council (LegCo) and District Council elections. 

Each term of office for both LegCo and District Councils is four years.

(CGTN's He Weiwei also contributed to the story.)