Fears of fresh protests as Hong Kong ‘fake democracy’ vote looms

Nine months after the “Umbrella Movement” swept Hong Kong, the city’s politicians are going to vote on the electoral reform proposals which sparked the protests. Seventy lawmakers will decide whether to approve plans backed by China which will change the way Hong Kong’s Chief Executive is elected. Although the new system would allow the next leader to be directly chosen by voters, Beijing would retain the right to choose the candidates on the ballot.

We hope it can pass smoothly. This is beneficial for Hong Kong’s long-term development.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Last September, mass sit-ins took place throughout the former British colony - with critics describing the proposals as “fake democracy” and accusing Communist leaders of trying to fool the world that they have honoured their commitment to genuine universal suffrage. If the vote is successful on Friday, more protests and occupations on the streets of Hong Kong are expected - and a police risk assessment has already warned that there is a “likelihood of the Legislative Council complex being stormed by radical groups in the next couple of days”.

Hong Kong democracy Asia-Pacific