Strong polling for democracy

HONG Kong’s pro-democracy candidates scored some significant wins in yesterday’s legislative election, according to television exit polls.

Pro-democracy candidates look set to take at least 15 of the 30 seats that were directly elected, compared with at least six for the pro-Beijing, pro-government side, according to exit polls released shortly after voting ended.

A number of races appeared too close to call.

If the polls are correct, firebrand protester “Longhair” Leung Kwok-hung will have made history by being elected to the legislature. Leung is more accustomed to staging protests outside the Legislative Council, and has vowed to take office wearing his trademark Che Guevara T-shirt, despite an official dress code that forbids such clothing.

He is known for raising a ruckus outside official events.

The polls indicated victory for top figures from the opposition Democratic Party, including its chairman Yeung Sum and its best-known figure, Martin Lee.

Leading pro-Beijing politician Ma Lik was projected as a winner, as was pro-business candidate James Tien.

Voters had turned out in large numbers for the election, many venting anger at their leaders and hoping to hand pro-democracy opposition politicians unprecedented clout in the Chinese territory.

The campaign had been marred by scandal and alleged intimidation, and many people were clearly frustrated at Beijing’s recent decision ruling out full democracy in the near term.