Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam has said the government will "seriously reflect" after local elections saw massive gains by pro-democracy candidates.So, unlike the narrative that the mainland Chinese are trying to sell, the pro-democracy protesters have proven that they have the support of the people.
Seventeen of the 18 district councils are now controlled by pro-democracy councillors, according to local media.
The election, the first since the wave of anti-Beijing protests began, saw an unprecedented turnout of more than 71%.
It is being seen as a stinging rebuke of Ms Lam's leadership and a show of support for the protest movement.
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Pro-democracy contenders were victorious in 347 of the 452 district council seats up for grabs; pro-Beijing candidates won 60 seats; while independents - many of them pro-democracy - got 45, according to the South China Morning Post.
In the last election four years ago, pro-Beijing councillors won 298 seats, but the distribution of these seats meant they took control of all 18 district councils.
They retained control of only the Islands District Council after Sunday's vote.
Things are going to get even more interesting in Hong Kong.
Back in the early 60's the people of Saigon called tanks 'voting machines' because of all the coups. I wonder if the PLA will 'cast their vote' in that fashion.
ReplyDeleteThe operative phrase in the culture of Chinese governance is 'the will of heaven', as in 'Losing the will of heaven'
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