A Hong Kong court declined to rule on Wednesday on a challenge filed by activist politicians to the new rule. The activist is one of a number of pro-independence candidates who refused to sign the recently introduced additional declaration form. Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula meant to guarantee the financial hub's considerable freedoms and separate laws. Previously, candidates only needed to pledge to uphold Hong Kong laws. Chan Ho-tin received an email from the Electoral Affairs Commission on Saturday which said his application to join the election had been "invalidated", fuelling speculation that others who hold pro-independence views also could be disqualified.

Source: dna July 31, 2016 04:07 UTC