News Digest

Hong Kong starts debate on contentious electoral reform plan

Hong Kong legislators began a debate on a Beijing-backed electoral reform proposal on Wednesday, as hundreds of people gathered outside government buildings ahead of a contentious vote that is expected by the end of this week. Lawmakers are debating a blueprint that will allow a direct vote for Hong Kong’s next leader in 2017, but only from pre-screened, pro-Beijing candidates. Opponents say they want a genuinely democratic vote.

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

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Pro-democracy leaders have blasted the plan as “sham democracy,” saying the central government is breaking its promise to eventually grant genuine universal suffrage to the city, a special administrative region of China. Hong Kong’s government needs the support of at least two-thirds of the 70 lawmakers, or 47 seats, to win approval when it goes to a vote, which is expected by the end of the week. But lawmakers from pro-democracy parties, who hold 27 seats, have vowed to use their power to veto it. They entered the legislature chamber with mock ballot boxes each marked with an X, signaling their intention to vote against the plan.