Hong Kong election bill faces likely defeat by lawmakers
HONG KONG — Hong Kong election reform proposals that sparked massive street protests last year in the southern Chinese financial centre are set to be presented to lawmakers, who will likely reject them.
A pro-democracy protester holding a yellow umbrella attends a rally outside the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, June 17, 2015. Photo: AP
HONG KONG — Hong Kong election reform proposals that sparked massive street protests last year in the southern Chinese financial centre are set to be presented to lawmakers, who will likely reject them.
The proposals tabled for a legislature debate today (June 17) would allow the former British colony's top leader to be chosen by voters through direct elections rather than by a 1,200-member panel of Beijing-friendly elites.
But voters would only be able to choose from a set of candidates screened by the panel, as required by China's central government.
Pro-democracy leaders have blasted the plan as “fake democracy”.
Hong Kong's government needs the support of at least two-thirds of the 70 lawmakers to win approval.
But lawmakers from pro-democracy parties have vowed to veto it. They hold 27 seats, giving them veto power. AP
Stay in the know. Anytime. Anywhere.
Subscribe to get daily news updates, insights and must reads delivered straight to your inbox.
By clicking subscribe, I agree for my personal data to be used to send me TODAY newsletters, promotional offers and for research and analysis.
