Polls have shown that some of the handful of pro-independence candidates may win seats.
Advertisement
China on Monday evening slammed the results of a key election this weekend in Hong Kong that saw pro-democracy student activists seated in the former British colony’s legislature, warning it will not tolerate talk by lawmakers of separating the semi-autonomous city from Beijing’s control.
About 2.2 million people, or 58 percent of registered voters, cast ballots for the Legislative Council, the highest turnout since the city’s 1997 handover from Britain.
The possible wins by these parties could show their ideas have gained traction in the territory, as well as heighten tensions with the mainland, which has labeled such groups – particularly those advocating independence from China – risky secessionists.
Yuen planned to vote for 23-year-old Nathan Law, who, along with teen activist Joshua Wong, helped lead the 2014 protests.
Oklahoma quake felt in several states, as oil wells draw scrutiny. The new lawmakers include at least five young candidates who have advocated in the past for Hong Kong’s right to self-determination.
Pro-independence candidates have so far dominated the landmark election, the results of which isn’t expected until later today, after several hours of delay due to an unprecedented turnout.
It saw the emergence of young campaigners demanding outright independence for Hong Kong – a subject previously taboo.
If the democrats were to lose four seats, they would forfeit the one-third voting bloc they need to veto bills, stacking the already skewed legislature even more in favour of Beijing.
The election was the first major vote since the 2014 pro-democracy demonstrations, which demanded reforms to how the chief executive, the territory’s head of government, is chosen.
Voters went to the polls to elect 35 lawmakers representing geographical districts to seats on the Legislative Council, choosing from a record total of 84 lists of candidates.
The newcomers pulled off their startling victories by riding a rising tide of anti-China sentiment as they challenged formidably resourced pro-Beijing rivals.
China has also repeatedly warned Taiwan and its pro-independence movements of negative consequences if they shift away the “one China” policy. Young localists’ actions will increase the difficulty of talks between the anti-establishment camp and the central government and will also make more pan-democrats lean toward radical parties, Tian said.
With the pro-democracy camp split between those who back the idea of possible independence and those who are more wary of the once taboo notion, Law said he would seek to unify the different camps.
The election for the sixth-term LegCo of the Hong Kong SAR was held on Sunday, September 4, 2016. Hong Kong has been ruled by this system since returning to Chinese control in 1997.
Advertisement
Leung Chun-ying, Hong Kong’s current leader, was among the first to vote.
