Hong Kongers flock to polls as democracy camp seeks to send messageHong Kong voters turned out in record numbers to cast their ballot in district elections that are seen as something of a referendum on the rule of leader Carrie Lam. HONG KONG: Hong Kong's voters turned out in record numbers Sunday for local council elections that the city's pro-democracy movement hopes will add pressure on the Beijing-backed government to heed their demands after months of violent protest. "I'm pleased to say that... we should have a relatively peaceful and calm environment to conduct these elections successfully," Lam said after voting in her constituency on Hong Kong island. Analysts expect pro-democracy candidates to see gains in the district councils but still fall short of a majority of slots. Election authorities banned leading democracy activist Joshua Wong from running in the district poll for backing Hong Kong "self-determination".

Source: Bangkok Post November 24, 2019 07:41 UTC