Hong Kong residents are voting today to elect a “patriot-only” Legislative Council in an election that critics say is anti-democratic and the local government is trying to mobilize voters to prove its legitimacy.
Officials are urging people to vote, fearing that low turnout could be seen as a form of protest.
Security has been stepped up in the city, with about 10,000 police deployed. Police Chief Raymond Siu told reporters before the polls opened that the aim was to ensure the vote went smoothly and safely.
Prior to the election, more than 10 people were arrested for inciting others to vote white. Among those arrested were some who reproduced posts by others on social networking sites. In Hong Kong it is illegal to urge others not to vote or to cast an invalid ballot.
China’s parliament announced last March sweeping changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system, such as reducing the number of directly elected people. He also set up a committee to monitor potential candidates, arguing that only “patriots” could run the city. Of the 90 members of the Council, only 20 will be directly elected. The rest will be appointed by committees loyal to Beijing.
The 153 candidates had to guarantee their political allegiance to China and their “patriotism” in order for their candidacy to be approved. Due to this condition, pro-democracy activists were excluded or not dropped, many of whom are imprisoned or have gone abroad.
About 4.5 million Hong Kong residents have the right to vote.
Beijing says this “improved” electoral system will remove “anti-Chinese” elements and ensure that the Legislative Council passes new laws more quickly.
The polls will close at 22.30 local time (16.30 Greek time).
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