Unofficial Referendum on democratic reforms in Hong Kong enters final hours
- 10 years ago
The unofficial referendum on democratic reforms in Hong Kong is almost over and at least one fifth of the residents have voted in the ballot which Beijing considers illegal.
The campaign centres on how the next leader of the semi-autonomous territory should be chosen.
As of 2017 China says Hong Kong can vote for its next leader, but the candidates must be approved by a committee.
“Today’s voting is very meaningful because I think this is an opportunity for the Hong Kong people to know about their civic values,” said Tommy Yam, 50, an industrial businessman.
In a more stark warning Paul Lam, a businessman from mainland China said,“the darkness is coming to Hong Kong. If we don’t continue to improve the country will die.”
A demonstration is planned for July 1, the day which marks the anniversary of the UK handover of the island to China in 1997.
Referendum organisers have called on all those who voted to turn out in order to keep the pressure on Beijing.
The campaign centres on how the next leader of the semi-autonomous territory should be chosen.
As of 2017 China says Hong Kong can vote for its next leader, but the candidates must be approved by a committee.
“Today’s voting is very meaningful because I think this is an opportunity for the Hong Kong people to know about their civic values,” said Tommy Yam, 50, an industrial businessman.
In a more stark warning Paul Lam, a businessman from mainland China said,“the darkness is coming to Hong Kong. If we don’t continue to improve the country will die.”
A demonstration is planned for July 1, the day which marks the anniversary of the UK handover of the island to China in 1997.
Referendum organisers have called on all those who voted to turn out in order to keep the pressure on Beijing.