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Hong Kong Elections Show Most People Support the Protests

 

On Nov. 24, Hong Kong held its first elections since the massive protests began nearly six months ago, and the results suggest that most people in Hong Kong are sympathetic to the cause.

 

The protests in Hong Kong began when the government proposed a bill that would make it possible for people arrested in Hong Kong to stand trial in China. The bill was eventually withdrawn, but by that time, the demands of protesters had expanded to a call for democracy and after several violent confrontations with the police, more accountability by authorities.

 

The limited democracy of Hong Kong does not provide many opportunities to vote, so though this election was for district councils, one of the lowest political positions in Hong Kong, it was viewed as a referendum on the recent protests. Usually just over 40 percent of the population participates in these elections. In 2014, a similar series of protests called the Umbrella Movement drove turnout up to 47 percent. This year, more than 70 percent of all eligible voters in Hong Kong cast a ballot. Turnout among young people was especially high, a trend that seems to be growing worldwide.

 

Entering election night, China was reportedly confident that the elections would show that public opinion was against the protests and the frequent disruptions they had caused, but pro-democracy activists were cautiously optimistic. The results were better than they could have imagined. Entering the election with just 124 seats, pro-democracy candidates won 389 of the 452 open seats, and establishment candidates lost almost 250 of the 300 seats they previously held.

 

Though the politicians who were elected are not responsible for creating legislation, they may ultimately have a significant impact. The chief executive of Hong Kong, who acts as its leader, is selected by a committee, the majority of which is currently politically aligned with China. However, one-tenth of that committee is chosen by district council members, giving the newly elected officials significant power in the process.

 

Carrie Lam, the current chief executive, promised to listen to the election winners and reflect on the best way forward. Those opposed to the protests hoped that the election's success would satisfy the demonstrators, but the protests continued on week later.

 

China has thus far refrained from intervening, but the election's results may change that. While the referendum may pressure China to grant Hong Kong more independence, it may also prompt Beijing to forcibly end the protests altogether.