Hong Kong stages 'democracy poll'

Hong Kong voted today in a closely watched legislative race viewed as a referendum on democracy.

There were eight candidates, but pre-election polls showed it was largely between two well-known women former officials – Anson Chan, who enjoyed the pro-democracy opposition’s support, and Regina Ip, the pro-Beijing camp’s preferred candidate.

The by-election to fill a seat of a politician who died of cancer will not change Hong Kong’s political landscape – the legislature will still be controlled by Beijing’s local allies.

But the ballot is seen as an important gauge of the public’s desire for democratic reforms.

Results of the poll are expected tomorrow.