High turnout in Hong Kong local elections amid protests

By Faruk Zorlu

ANKARA (AA) - Hong Kong residents have shown great interest in the local elections to elect district councilors, as protestors view the ballot as a great opportunity to change the political climate in the autonomous region.

In a news conference, Barnabus Fung, head of electoral affairs committee, said more than 2.94 million registered voters cast ballots in Sunday's District Council Elections. The total turnout rate was more than 71% of 4.1 million registered voters.

The voting process started at 07.30 a.m. local time on Sunday (2330GMT Saturday) and ended at 10.30 p.m. (1430GMT) amid ongoing protests that started in June in response to a move by the current administration to legalize extraditions to China.

According to data compiled by Anadolu Agency, a total of 1,104 candidates competed in the elections that will determine the district councilors who will have the right to elect the government and lawmakers on behalf of the citizens in elections slated for 2020.

The local elections, held once every four years, are the only "fully democratic” polls held under the autonomous region of China.

A total of 1,104 candidates are competing for 452 municipal council seats in 18 election districts.

If elected, the candidates will be part of a committee with 1,200 members; this committee has the right to elect lawmakers, cabinet members and the government leader out of a candidate list provided by Beijing.

There are a total of 479 seats available in councils, while 27 seats are determined separately.