Landslide democratic win in Hong Kong election raises pressure on city's leader

SUMMARY

Hong Kong's democrats scored a landslide majority in district council elections, which saw a record turnout after six months of anti-government protests, increasing pressure on the city's embattled leader on Monday to listen to pro-democracy calls. Sunday's elections marked a rare weekend lull in the unrest that has rocked the financial hub. Democratic candidates across the city of 74 lakh people secured nearly 90 percent of the 452 district council seats, broadcaster RTHK reported, despite a strongly resourced and mobilised pro-establishment opposition.

By ReutersNov 25, 2019 12:12:04 PM IST (Updated)

Polling officials open a ballot box to count the votes of the Hong Kong council elections, in a polling station in Hong Kong. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

A woman reacts during the counting of the votes of the Hong Kong council elections, in a polling station in Hong Kong. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

Supporters of local candidate Kelvin Lam celebrate after it was announced he won the local council elections in his district. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Supporters of local candidate Kelvin Lam celebrate after it was announced he won. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Local candidate Kelvin Lam celebrates with supporters after it was announced he won the local council elections in his district, at a polling station in the South Horizons West district in Hong Kong. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Winning candidate Kelvin Lam and activist Joshua Wong greet people and thank them for their support after Lam won in district council elections. REUTERS/Leah Millis