TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Hong Kong names candidates in council polls; rejects 9

(Associated Press)

Hong Kong

Fri, August 5, 2016 Published on Aug. 5, 2016 Published on 2016-08-05T12:59:36+07:00

High-profile localist candidate, Edward Leung of Hong Kong Indigenous (right) shouts slogan during a demonstration in Hong Kong, July 11, 2015. As the Asian financial center prepares for legislative elections in September, a new wave of radical political activists are planning to join the campaign, including some who advocate the once-unthinkable idea of independence from China. (AP/Kin Cheung)

H

ong Kong's government has posted the names of approved candidates for its most controversial Legislative Council elections since reverting to Chinese rule almost two decades ago.

A total of nine candidates have been rejected over their stance on the Chinese special administrative region's political future in what critics say is an ill omen for the city's democractic development. Three would-be candidates have said they will appeal, although no ruling is expected before the Sept. 4 elections.

The rejections are seen as a sign of China's growing political interference in the financial hub, which enjoys far greater democracy than the Communist Party-run mainland.

Friday's notice says 289 candidates have been approved to run for the 70-seat body. Twelve of those seats are being filled by candidates running uncontested.