Hong Kong polls draw record turnout after months of protests
■ Voter count in financial hub hits a new high amid calls for democracy
Hong Kong, Nov. 24: Record numbers of Hong Kong people voted on Sunday in district elections viewed as a barometer of support for city leader Carrie Lam, a turnout apparently triggered by six months of often violent pro-democracy protests. Brutal attacks on election candidates in recent weeks have thrust the lowest tier of government in the Chinese-ruled city into the world spotlight as Lam struggles to quash angry demands for universal suffrage. Government data showed more than 2.1 million people had voted by 4.30 p.m., or a turnout rate of 52%, with six hours left until polling stations closed, way above the 1.47 million who voted in the last district elections four years ago. Police presence was thin. First results should start trickling in before midnight. 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 proBeijing 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 voter numbers showed people’s determination, said 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. Beijingbacked Lam cast her ballot in front of television cameras and pledged that her government, widely seen as out of touch, would listen “more intensively” to the views of district councils.The anti-China protests have at times forced the closure of government, businesses and schools in the city’s worst political crisis in decades, as police used tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon against protesters.