Hong Kong goes to the polls

Hong Kong - Hong Kong went to the polls yesterday with pro-democracy candidates poised to win most of the directly-elected seats…

Hong Kong - Hong Kong went to the polls yesterday with pro-democracy candidates poised to win most of the directly-elected seats but stay powerless.

Turnout was predicted to be low in the second legislative elections since this former British colony returned to China in 1997 as voters showed their disillusionment with Beijing-anointed leader Mr Tung Chee-hwa.

Pro-democracy candidates, including those from the Democratic Party led by prominent Beijing critic Mr Martin Lee, are poised to win most of the 24 directly elected seats, but will remain powerless in the 60-seat legislature.