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Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Forces Headed for Landslide Election Win

William Gallo

   HONG KONG - Hong Kong pro-democracy forces appear headed for a
   landslide victory in local elections that saw record turnout,
   delivering a stunning rebuke to Beijing.

   Early voting results Monday showed pro-democracy candidates winning
   nearly every seat they contested in Hong Kong's 18 district councils.
   Pro-democracy candidates led the pro-establishment camp, 278 seats to
   42.

   If the trend continues, it would be a major symbolic blow to pro-China
   forces that dominate virtually all levels of Hong Kong's politics.

   It is the latest evidence of continued public support for a
   five-month-old pro-democracy movement that has become increasingly
   aggressive.

   "Hong Kongers have spoken out, loud and clear. The international
   community must acknowledge that, almost six months in, public opinion
   has NOT turned against the movement," student activist Joshua Wong said
   on Twitter.

   The vote will not significantly change the balance of power in Hong
   Kong's quasi-democratic political system. District council members have
   no power to pass legislation; they deal mainly with hyperlocal issues,
   such as noise complaints and bus stop locations.

   However, the district council vote is seen as one of the most reliable
   indicators of public opinion, since it is the only fully democratic
   election in Hong Kong.

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