High turnout ‘reflects people’s hope for genuine universal suffrage’
People line up to vote in the final hours before polls closed in Hong Kong, China, November 24 2019. Picture: CHRIS McGRATH/GETTY IMAGES Hong Kong — Record numbers of people voted on Sunday in Hong Kong district council elections viewed as a test of support for CEO Carrie Lam after six months of often violent pro-democracy protests that have convulsed the Chinese-governed city.
Government data showed more than 2.6-million people had voted by 7.30pm on Sunday, a turnout rate of 63%, three hours before polling was due to close. That showing appeared to have been encouraged by the political turmoil in Hong Kong. About 1.47-million voted in the last district elections four years ago.The voter numbers showed people’s determination, said one voter named Tsz, 30, who works in the service industry. “The high turnout rate … definitely reflects Hong Kong people’s hope for genuine universal suffrage,” he said. Casting her ballot, the Beijing-backed Lam pledged that her government would listen “more intensively” to the views of district councils. “I hope this kind of stability and calm is not only for today’s election, but to show that everyone does not want Hong Kong to fall into a chaotic situation again,” Lam said. The protests started over a now-withdrawn extradition bill that would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial but rapidly evolved into calls for full democracy, posing the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. They have at times forced the closure of government, businesses and schools as police used tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon in response to petrol bombs and rocks. The run-up to the election was marked by attacks on candidates, with one stabbed and wounded and another having part of his ear bitten off. Ming Lee, 26, who works in event production, said she hoped the higher turnout would benefit the pro-democracy camp that is battling some seats that were once uncontested and dominated by pro-Beijing candidates. “I hope this vote can counter the voice of the pro-establishment, so as to bring in more voices from the democrats,” she said. “The social problems encouraged people to vote and to focus on political issues.” The district councils control some spending and decide issues such as recycling and public health. A record 1,104 candidates were vying for 452 seats and a record 4.1-million people have enrolled to vote. If the pro-democracy campaigners gain control, they could secure six seats on Hong Kong’s semi-representative Legislative Council and 117 seats on the 1,200-member panel that selects its CEO. Jimmy Sham, a candidate for the Civil Human Rights Front, which organised some of the anti-government rallies, said: “We don’t know yet, at the end of the day, if the democrats can win a majority. But I hope our Hong Kong citizens can vote for the future of Hong Kong.” Restaurant manager Jeremy Chan, 55, saw the elections as offering Beijing supporters a chance to share their opinions. “They believe they are fighting for democracy, fighting for Hong Kong, but the rioters only listen to what they want to hear,” Chan said, citing vandalism of businesses seen as pro-Beijing. “Freedom of speech is lost.”Sunday was also the seventh day of a stand-off at Polytechnic University, whose campus has been surrounded by police as some protesters hid out on the grounds. “The district council election is almost like a referendum on recent months of social activity,” said a protester clad in a red university tracksuit, his face covered by a red mask. “My personal liberty to vote has been violated,” said the protester, who fears being seized by police if he tries to escape from the campus. Demonstrators are angry at what they see as Chinese meddling in the freedoms promised to the former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997. They say they are also responding to perceived police brutality. China denies interfering and says it is committed to the “one country, two systems” formula for the autonomy of Hong Kong. Police say they have shown restraint in the face of potentially deadly attacks.Electoral affairs chief Barnabus Fung said there had been 3,638 complaints on Sunday, mostly related to the long queues at polling stations, which he put down to the large numbers voting. Well-known pro-democracy advocate Alexandra “Grandma” Wong, who was detained in the city of Shenzhen over the border from Hong Kong in August, said this was “the day that we are longing for”. “Because I was detained in Shenzhen, my ballot has become a wasted paper. This breaks my heart. Please help add oil for me and vote. All the Best!!! Be Safe!!!” she wrote, according to a message on the Lennon Wall protest movement Facebook page. It was not clear for how long Wong, who became a fixture at protests carrying a large Brtish Union Jack flag, was detained.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hong Kong saved from being ‘obliterated’ by Trump, says TrumpTrump says he prevented a million Chinese soldiers from storming Hong Kong because that would have been terrible for the trade deal
Read more »
Hong Kong afraid to exhale ahead of district electionsAs the six-month long protests turn violent, police appeal to protesters not to interfere with the low-tier, local elections at the weekend
Read more »
Financial IPOs dwindle in Hong KongThe Chinese government is cracking down on risky funding practices, which has sent ripples through the country’s more than 3,000 small banks
Read more »
Long voter queues as Hong Kong democracy camp seeks poll gainsHong Kong has been buffeted by months of mass rallies and violent clashes pitting police against protesters agitating for greater democracy in the Chinese territory.
Read more »
Chiefs coach Middendorp on the verge of emulating Ertugral's record set in the PSL eraErnst Middendorp might not have worked with many of Maritzburg United’s current players but says he has kept close tabs on matters at his old club‚ who Kaizer Chiefs meet in Sunday’s Telkom Knockout semifinal at Mbombela Stadium.
Read more »
Hong Kong vote hits record numbersLengthy queues snaked out of polling stations across the territory in the election for 18 district councils.
Read more »