Analysts say the low turnout in Hong Kong's Legislative Council election could undermine a bid by pro-democracy parties to persuade Beijing to give residents full direct voting.
Of the council's 60 seats, only half could be chosen on Sunday by 3.4 million registered voters. The remaining 30 seats are filled by interest groups. Turnout was 45 percent, markedly down from 56 percent in 2004. Sunday's poll, Hong Kong's fourth election since the former British colony reverted to Chinese rule, was dominated by concern over its slowing economy. Last December, Beijing said universal sufferage could be allowed by 2017 but it set no specific timetable. If pan-democrats slip below 21 seats they could left powerless to insist on full voting rights.
(Deutsche Welle)
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