#LegCo #Election
HK Government Orders #CivilServants to Assist in Electoral Office
In Hong Kong, Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip Tak-kuen sent a letter to all civil servants, saying that he had ordered the head of all government departments to assign civil servants to serve as electoral staff at poll stations in the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election.
He added that civil servants are the "backbone of the government" and it is also their duty to make sure the election will be staged smoothly.
It was estimated that a total of 36,000 staff will be necessary on the election day.
Those assigned as electoral staff will face disciplinary actions if they fail to perform their duties or fail to report to the polling stations.
In the past, the administration has never made it mandatory for civil servants to assist in election routine.
Source: Stand News; #Oct29 https://thestandnews.page.link/fuL1JBWdMM43ANZc8
#FailedState #Regime #ElectoralOffice #LegCoElection #HongKongElection #PatrickNip
HK Government Orders #CivilServants to Assist in Electoral Office
In Hong Kong, Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip Tak-kuen sent a letter to all civil servants, saying that he had ordered the head of all government departments to assign civil servants to serve as electoral staff at poll stations in the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election.
He added that civil servants are the "backbone of the government" and it is also their duty to make sure the election will be staged smoothly.
It was estimated that a total of 36,000 staff will be necessary on the election day.
Those assigned as electoral staff will face disciplinary actions if they fail to perform their duties or fail to report to the polling stations.
In the past, the administration has never made it mandatory for civil servants to assist in election routine.
Source: Stand News; #Oct29 https://thestandnews.page.link/fuL1JBWdMM43ANZc8
#FailedState #Regime #ElectoralOffice #LegCoElection #HongKongElection #PatrickNip
#Election #Arrest
Police Arrest Three Civilians
Over Call to Cast #BlankVotes in #LegCoElection in Hong Kong
Source: Stand News, HK Free Press; #Nov9
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Police Arrest Three Civilians
Over Call to Cast #BlankVotes in #LegCoElection in Hong Kong
Source: Stand News, HK Free Press; #Nov9
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
#Election #Arrest
Police Arrest Three Civilians
Over Call to Cast #BlankVotes in #LegCoElection in Hong Kong
On November 9, 2021, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (#ICAC) in Hong Kong arrested three people for allegedly sharing an online message asking citizens to cast blank votes for the Legislative Council (#LegCo) elections scheduled for December 19, 2021.
The two men and one woman, aged between 29 and 65, are accused of violating the #ElectionOrdinance, which bans the incitement of others not to vote, or to cast an invalid vote during the election period.
The ICAC said its officers seized a number of mobile phones, claiming that the Commision will take resolute enforcement actions to combat conduct manipulating and sabotaging the election.
Just a day ago (November 8, 2021), the Secretary for Security Chris PK Tang criticized self-exiled, now Australia-based activist #TedHui. Tang, a former police commissioner, said that encouraging people not to vote or cast an invalid ballot in LegCo election may violate the national security law.
Source: Stand News, HK Free Press; #Nov9
https://thestandnews.page.link/2CPTWygRcdzAKBPy8
Police Arrest Three Civilians
Over Call to Cast #BlankVotes in #LegCoElection in Hong Kong
On November 9, 2021, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (#ICAC) in Hong Kong arrested three people for allegedly sharing an online message asking citizens to cast blank votes for the Legislative Council (#LegCo) elections scheduled for December 19, 2021.
The two men and one woman, aged between 29 and 65, are accused of violating the #ElectionOrdinance, which bans the incitement of others not to vote, or to cast an invalid vote during the election period.
The ICAC said its officers seized a number of mobile phones, claiming that the Commision will take resolute enforcement actions to combat conduct manipulating and sabotaging the election.
Just a day ago (November 8, 2021), the Secretary for Security Chris PK Tang criticized self-exiled, now Australia-based activist #TedHui. Tang, a former police commissioner, said that encouraging people not to vote or cast an invalid ballot in LegCo election may violate the national security law.
Source: Stand News, HK Free Press; #Nov9
https://thestandnews.page.link/2CPTWygRcdzAKBPy8
#OpinionArticle
Hong Kong’s Stage-Managed Election Is Fooling Nobody
//Arrangements for Hong Kong’s first legislative election under a revamped system are leaving little to chance. There must be competition — but not too much, and of the right kind. Meanwhile, the anti-corruption agency has warned against calls to cast blank ballots or abstain from voting — two of the few ways left for people to register disapproval of a Beijing-designed process from which political opposition has been excluded.
As of Nov. 3, five days after nominations opened, only 48 had been received for the 90 seats in the Legislative Council. The nomination period runs until Friday.
Hong Kong’s electoral system was always designed to favor pro-establishment interests. In the last LegCo election in 2016, when turnout reached a record 58%, only half the seats in a 70-member council were directly elected. After Beijing’s changes, just 20 seats, or less than a quarter of the expanded chamber, will be chosen by the full electorate of 4.5 million. Even if opposition candidates somehow got past new vetting procedures and achieved a clean sweep, they would still be in a minority. With the result not in doubt, such micro-management should be unnecessary. Why bother?
In practice, most authoritarian regimes attach a high significance to elections because they are seen as conferring legitimacy. Feigning conformity to established rules carries a ritual and symbolic power, as Lee Morgenbesser, who studies authoritarian systems at Australia’s Griffith University, has observed. Dictators from Alexander Lukashenko in Belarus to Syria’s Bashar Al-Assad have proclaimed a democratic mandate after elections that were clearly far from free and fair.
Autocracies have three, mutually reinforcing pillars of stability, according to the German political scientist Johannes Gerschewski: repression, co-optation and legitimation. After the instability of the 2019 pro-democracy protests, Hong Kong has relied primarily on the first, aided by a national security law that China imposed in mid-2020. Opposition candidates have been arrested, civil society has been hollowed out, and the media environment has become more constricted.//
Source: Bloomberg #Nov7
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2021-11-07/hong-kong-s-stage-managed-election-process-will-be-tested-by-turnout
#LegCo #Election #FailedState
Hong Kong’s Stage-Managed Election Is Fooling Nobody
//Arrangements for Hong Kong’s first legislative election under a revamped system are leaving little to chance. There must be competition — but not too much, and of the right kind. Meanwhile, the anti-corruption agency has warned against calls to cast blank ballots or abstain from voting — two of the few ways left for people to register disapproval of a Beijing-designed process from which political opposition has been excluded.
As of Nov. 3, five days after nominations opened, only 48 had been received for the 90 seats in the Legislative Council. The nomination period runs until Friday.
Hong Kong’s electoral system was always designed to favor pro-establishment interests. In the last LegCo election in 2016, when turnout reached a record 58%, only half the seats in a 70-member council were directly elected. After Beijing’s changes, just 20 seats, or less than a quarter of the expanded chamber, will be chosen by the full electorate of 4.5 million. Even if opposition candidates somehow got past new vetting procedures and achieved a clean sweep, they would still be in a minority. With the result not in doubt, such micro-management should be unnecessary. Why bother?
In practice, most authoritarian regimes attach a high significance to elections because they are seen as conferring legitimacy. Feigning conformity to established rules carries a ritual and symbolic power, as Lee Morgenbesser, who studies authoritarian systems at Australia’s Griffith University, has observed. Dictators from Alexander Lukashenko in Belarus to Syria’s Bashar Al-Assad have proclaimed a democratic mandate after elections that were clearly far from free and fair.
Autocracies have three, mutually reinforcing pillars of stability, according to the German political scientist Johannes Gerschewski: repression, co-optation and legitimation. After the instability of the 2019 pro-democracy protests, Hong Kong has relied primarily on the first, aided by a national security law that China imposed in mid-2020. Opposition candidates have been arrested, civil society has been hollowed out, and the media environment has become more constricted.//
Source: Bloomberg #Nov7
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2021-11-07/hong-kong-s-stage-managed-election-process-will-be-tested-by-turnout
#LegCo #Election #FailedState
Bloomberg.com
Hong Kong’s Stage-Managed Election Is Fooling Nobody
The trappings of democracy are important to an authoritarian system. Getting people to go to the polls may be the biggest challenge.
US and EU Responded to the Mass Disqualification of District Councillors
#HKSAR government demanded all #DistrictCouncillors (DC) in Hong Kong to take an oath earlier. 55 DC lost their seats in total as 49 councillors in democratic parties were disqualified due to invalid vows. 6 directly lost their seats due to the absence of #oath. More than 200 DC had resigned earlier due to the oath request.
The US State Department issued a statement on Oct 21, keeping their concerns to the #HumanRights and the #Freedom in Hong Kong, including the continuous erosion of political participation, especially under the National Security Law (#NSL) which increases prosecution with political motivation.
The statement also said that the prosecution was directed to teachers, unions, lawyers, journalists, medical staff, student unions and citizens. The mass DC disqualification is simply to stop HKers to manage their homeland meaningfully.
US State Department again called Beijing and the Hong Kong authority to release people who are detained unfairly, and stop the suppression of peaceful civil organizations. They also pointed out that HKers and the energetic civil society are always the biggest resources in Hong Kong, as well as the foundation of being a successful international finance hub. The US will continue to support HKers, their rights and their freedom.
EU: Chilling effect occurs under NSL
The #EU External Action Service issued another statement on the same day, saying that HK government disqualifying most of the democratic councillors means denying the DC #election result in 2019. And that excluding the democratic parties from the political participation would weaken Hong Kong democratic governance structure.
The EU indicated that the pressure of civil society is increasing as many unions and organizations in Hong Kong have disbanded. This, again, shows the chilling effect on the rights and freedom in Hong Kong under the NSL and becomes the core of suppressing dissidents.
Source: Stand News #Oct22
https://bit.ly/3DeyQgm
#Disqualification #TakeOath #US StateDepartment
#HKSAR government demanded all #DistrictCouncillors (DC) in Hong Kong to take an oath earlier. 55 DC lost their seats in total as 49 councillors in democratic parties were disqualified due to invalid vows. 6 directly lost their seats due to the absence of #oath. More than 200 DC had resigned earlier due to the oath request.
The US State Department issued a statement on Oct 21, keeping their concerns to the #HumanRights and the #Freedom in Hong Kong, including the continuous erosion of political participation, especially under the National Security Law (#NSL) which increases prosecution with political motivation.
The statement also said that the prosecution was directed to teachers, unions, lawyers, journalists, medical staff, student unions and citizens. The mass DC disqualification is simply to stop HKers to manage their homeland meaningfully.
US State Department again called Beijing and the Hong Kong authority to release people who are detained unfairly, and stop the suppression of peaceful civil organizations. They also pointed out that HKers and the energetic civil society are always the biggest resources in Hong Kong, as well as the foundation of being a successful international finance hub. The US will continue to support HKers, their rights and their freedom.
EU: Chilling effect occurs under NSL
The #EU External Action Service issued another statement on the same day, saying that HK government disqualifying most of the democratic councillors means denying the DC #election result in 2019. And that excluding the democratic parties from the political participation would weaken Hong Kong democratic governance structure.
The EU indicated that the pressure of civil society is increasing as many unions and organizations in Hong Kong have disbanded. This, again, shows the chilling effect on the rights and freedom in Hong Kong under the NSL and becomes the core of suppressing dissidents.
Source: Stand News #Oct22
https://bit.ly/3DeyQgm
#Disqualification #TakeOath #US StateDepartment
#LegCoElection #Censorship
Hong Kong Authorities Ban Citizens from Displaying "Hong Kong Add Oil" on Outfits
The postponed Hong Kong Legislative Council elections will take place on December 19, 2021, despite the majority of the pro-democracy camp was detained or sentenced to jail.
On December 14, 2021, #BarnabasFung, the chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission (#EAC), said voters who have the words "Hong Kong Add Oil [Hang On]" on their outfit might be asked to cover them.
On a side note, staff at polling stations are not allowed to wear, in particular, yellow facemasks.
Source: InMedia #Dec14
https://bit.ly/3dLh4pX
#Regime #LegCo #Election #WhiteTerror
Hong Kong Authorities Ban Citizens from Displaying "Hong Kong Add Oil" on Outfits
The postponed Hong Kong Legislative Council elections will take place on December 19, 2021, despite the majority of the pro-democracy camp was detained or sentenced to jail.
On December 14, 2021, #BarnabasFung, the chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission (#EAC), said voters who have the words "Hong Kong Add Oil [Hang On]" on their outfit might be asked to cover them.
On a side note, staff at polling stations are not allowed to wear, in particular, yellow facemasks.
Source: InMedia #Dec14
https://bit.ly/3dLh4pX
#Regime #LegCo #Election #WhiteTerror
#CallforAction
#HongKongWatch: Elections in Hong Kong Do Not Represent the Vox Populi of #Hongkongers
Hong Kong Watch is organising a social media campaign to call for people's attention to Hong Kong political issues, which include the upcoming #LegCoElections on #Dec19 2021 and the 47 pro-democracy activists and legislators imprisoned or under trial due to the pro-democracy primaries in 2020.
The organisation called for people to upload photos onto social media with the hashtags #ReleaseMyCandidate and/or #釋放我的候選人, stating that it could not represent the vox populi of Hongkongers.
Shortly after the campaign, many activists and politicians have started their participation, including Lord Alton of Liverpool, MEP Engin Eroglu, human rights activist Laura Harth and Hong Kong artiste Joe Tay.
To learn more about the campaign: https://twitter.com/hk_watch/status/1470428393057488903?s=21
Source: Hong Kong Watch
#Dec17
#Campaign #LegCo #Election #Primaries #NSL
#HongKongWatch: Elections in Hong Kong Do Not Represent the Vox Populi of #Hongkongers
Hong Kong Watch is organising a social media campaign to call for people's attention to Hong Kong political issues, which include the upcoming #LegCoElections on #Dec19 2021 and the 47 pro-democracy activists and legislators imprisoned or under trial due to the pro-democracy primaries in 2020.
The organisation called for people to upload photos onto social media with the hashtags #ReleaseMyCandidate and/or #釋放我的候選人, stating that it could not represent the vox populi of Hongkongers.
Shortly after the campaign, many activists and politicians have started their participation, including Lord Alton of Liverpool, MEP Engin Eroglu, human rights activist Laura Harth and Hong Kong artiste Joe Tay.
To learn more about the campaign: https://twitter.com/hk_watch/status/1470428393057488903?s=21
Source: Hong Kong Watch
#Dec17
#Campaign #LegCo #Election #Primaries #NSL
#Poll: More Voters Claim NOT to Vote at “Patriots-only” #LegCoElection in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies (#HKIAPS) rolled out a public poll to gauge the populations sentiment towards the Legislative Council election in Hong Kong set on December 19, 2021.
32.8% of those responded said they will not cast vote, which was 2 percentage points over those affirmative to vote (30.8%). Another 17.4% claimed “may be” they will vote, while 19% claimed “undecided”.
The public poll was conducted between 29 November through 8 December, 2021 over telephone with 712 respondents aged above 18. Among them 92% claimed that they are eligible voters.
When asked about the level of attention on this election, 52.8% said they were not keen while 41.3% showed concern.
Source: Stand News; #Dec13
https://thestandnews.page.link/Gp5YuuhHBuJ5h1nD6
#BlankVotes #Election
The Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies (#HKIAPS) rolled out a public poll to gauge the populations sentiment towards the Legislative Council election in Hong Kong set on December 19, 2021.
32.8% of those responded said they will not cast vote, which was 2 percentage points over those affirmative to vote (30.8%). Another 17.4% claimed “may be” they will vote, while 19% claimed “undecided”.
The public poll was conducted between 29 November through 8 December, 2021 over telephone with 712 respondents aged above 18. Among them 92% claimed that they are eligible voters.
When asked about the level of attention on this election, 52.8% said they were not keen while 41.3% showed concern.
Source: Stand News; #Dec13
https://thestandnews.page.link/Gp5YuuhHBuJ5h1nD6
#BlankVotes #Election
#LegCoElection
How Hongkongers Respond to "Patriot-Only" #Election
Source: Stand News; InMedia #Dec19
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
How Hongkongers Respond to "Patriot-Only" #Election
Source: Stand News; InMedia #Dec19
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
#LegCoElection
How Hongkongers Respond to "Patriots-Only" #Election
After having been postponed for more than a year by the authorities, the Legislative Election took place in Hong Kong on December 19, 2021, when the majority of the city's pro-democracy camp are detained, jailed, or exiled. Prior to the election, public polls have shown that Hong Kong citizens expressed little interest in the "Patriots-Only" election.
Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31651
While the authorities have sent at least one SMS to the population (including non-voters) encouraging them to vote, at least ten civilians have been arrested for "inciting" others to cast #BlankVote or invalid vote. In addition, at least five exiled activists are wanted by the Hong Kong government for encouraging the public to boycottt the election.
Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31652
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31654
Around noon, it was reported that over 900 #ICAC staff were deployed in different polling stations to ensure that the election is conducted in a "just and fair" manner. Earlier, the authorities announced that polling staff were forbidden from wearing yellow masks and anyone wearing an outfit with phrases like "Add Oil Hong Kong" would be asked to remove or cover it.
Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31621
Ms Ng, in her sixties, told Stand News that "everyone knows" the agenda of the authorities behind offering free public transport on the Election Day. [Editor's note: Voters are always assigned to a polling station nearest to their residential address.] Regarding thd candidates in the nicknamed "Patriots-only" election, Ms Ng said, "I don't even know just one of them!"
Ms Ng added that the [goverment's] act would be futile, "Elderly like us only think about hiking, not voting."
Meanwhile, huge crowds were spotted at amusement parks like #DisneyLand and #OceanPark. Some tourists claimed that they have never seen so many people in the park.
This year, in Taikoo Shing, a residential area on Hong Kong Island East, the polling station was relatively 'empty' when compared to the 2016 LegCo Election and the 2019 District Council Election. Back then, voters had to line up and wait before casting their ballot. This year, there were more people queuing at the bus station.
Pro-Beijing figure Lo Man-sui, who occupied positions in CCP organizations like the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, said that "The winning of all 90 seats by the Pro-Establishment Camp would go against the original intent of the Central Government."
#TedHui, now-exiled former lawmaker in pro-democracy camp, answered the call by #HongKongWatch, uploading a photo of himself holding a sign that reads #ReleaseMyCandidate. Hui added that those who can represent Hongkongers' voices are in jail, and that ths only thing a Hongkonger can do is to boycott the election.
Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31644
Source: Stand News; InMedia #Dec19
https://bit.ly/3Fc2XWK
https://bit.ly/3e4ngcu
https://thestandnews.page.link/VJLfT7xux5Do6sj89 -
#FailedState #FakeElection #CCPStyle #Voter #PoliceState
===
Related News
HK Police Intimidates Reporter and Warns of "Loitering" Charges in Polling Station https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31656
How Hongkongers Respond to "Patriots-Only" #Election
After having been postponed for more than a year by the authorities, the Legislative Election took place in Hong Kong on December 19, 2021, when the majority of the city's pro-democracy camp are detained, jailed, or exiled. Prior to the election, public polls have shown that Hong Kong citizens expressed little interest in the "Patriots-Only" election.
Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31651
While the authorities have sent at least one SMS to the population (including non-voters) encouraging them to vote, at least ten civilians have been arrested for "inciting" others to cast #BlankVote or invalid vote. In addition, at least five exiled activists are wanted by the Hong Kong government for encouraging the public to boycottt the election.
Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31652
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31654
Around noon, it was reported that over 900 #ICAC staff were deployed in different polling stations to ensure that the election is conducted in a "just and fair" manner. Earlier, the authorities announced that polling staff were forbidden from wearing yellow masks and anyone wearing an outfit with phrases like "Add Oil Hong Kong" would be asked to remove or cover it.
Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31621
Ms Ng, in her sixties, told Stand News that "everyone knows" the agenda of the authorities behind offering free public transport on the Election Day. [Editor's note: Voters are always assigned to a polling station nearest to their residential address.] Regarding thd candidates in the nicknamed "Patriots-only" election, Ms Ng said, "I don't even know just one of them!"
Ms Ng added that the [goverment's] act would be futile, "Elderly like us only think about hiking, not voting."
Meanwhile, huge crowds were spotted at amusement parks like #DisneyLand and #OceanPark. Some tourists claimed that they have never seen so many people in the park.
This year, in Taikoo Shing, a residential area on Hong Kong Island East, the polling station was relatively 'empty' when compared to the 2016 LegCo Election and the 2019 District Council Election. Back then, voters had to line up and wait before casting their ballot. This year, there were more people queuing at the bus station.
Pro-Beijing figure Lo Man-sui, who occupied positions in CCP organizations like the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, said that "The winning of all 90 seats by the Pro-Establishment Camp would go against the original intent of the Central Government."
#TedHui, now-exiled former lawmaker in pro-democracy camp, answered the call by #HongKongWatch, uploading a photo of himself holding a sign that reads #ReleaseMyCandidate. Hui added that those who can represent Hongkongers' voices are in jail, and that ths only thing a Hongkonger can do is to boycott the election.
Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31644
Source: Stand News; InMedia #Dec19
https://bit.ly/3Fc2XWK
https://bit.ly/3e4ngcu
https://thestandnews.page.link/VJLfT7xux5Do6sj89 -
#FailedState #FakeElection #CCPStyle #Voter #PoliceState
===
Related News
HK Police Intimidates Reporter and Warns of "Loitering" Charges in Polling Station https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31656
Telegram
📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#Poll: More Voters Claim NOT to Vote at “Patriots-only” #LegCoElection in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies (#HKIAPS) rolled out a public poll to gauge the populations sentiment towards the Legislative Council election in Hong Kong…
The Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies (#HKIAPS) rolled out a public poll to gauge the populations sentiment towards the Legislative Council election in Hong Kong…
"Patriots-Only" #LegCoElection Causes Lowest Turnout in Hong Kong History: 3.12 Million Hongkongers Cast #NoVote
The Legistlative Council (LegCo) election ended at 10:33pm on December 19, 2021. The turnout in the geographical constituency, the only part of the Council that is generated by direct election, was recorded 29.28% at 9:30pm. At 3:30am in Hong Kong, the government announced that the turnout is 30.2%, which is the lowest in Hong Kong history. According to the government statistic, over 17,000 ballots came from three polling stations set up in the border between Hong Kong and China.
Among 4.37 millions of registered voters, 3.12 million Hongkongers did not cast any vote in the "patriots-only" election in 2021, and only around 1.3 million did. Some citizens who voted said they have never seen that the polling stations were such empty, especially when compared to the 2019 District Council Election, where the pro-democracy camp had a landslide victory. In 2021, there were no more young people using innovative ways to promote and support their candidates. Citizens who voted said voting is a civil responsibility but there was no choice in this election.
Even before the election closed, it was reported that Chief Executive #CarrieLam would go to Beijing the next day. It was unknown whether it was related to the election.
Source: Stand News; InMedia #Dec20
https://bit.ly/3mhWLow
#FailedState #CCPStyle #Regime #Election
===
Related News:
How Hongkongers Respond to "Patriots-Only" #Election
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31663
"Don't Vote" Banner Spotted on Lion Rock Mt. in Hong Kong
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31667
The Legistlative Council (LegCo) election ended at 10:33pm on December 19, 2021. The turnout in the geographical constituency, the only part of the Council that is generated by direct election, was recorded 29.28% at 9:30pm. At 3:30am in Hong Kong, the government announced that the turnout is 30.2%, which is the lowest in Hong Kong history. According to the government statistic, over 17,000 ballots came from three polling stations set up in the border between Hong Kong and China.
Among 4.37 millions of registered voters, 3.12 million Hongkongers did not cast any vote in the "patriots-only" election in 2021, and only around 1.3 million did. Some citizens who voted said they have never seen that the polling stations were such empty, especially when compared to the 2019 District Council Election, where the pro-democracy camp had a landslide victory. In 2021, there were no more young people using innovative ways to promote and support their candidates. Citizens who voted said voting is a civil responsibility but there was no choice in this election.
Even before the election closed, it was reported that Chief Executive #CarrieLam would go to Beijing the next day. It was unknown whether it was related to the election.
Source: Stand News; InMedia #Dec20
https://bit.ly/3mhWLow
#FailedState #CCPStyle #Regime #Election
===
Related News:
How Hongkongers Respond to "Patriots-Only" #Election
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31663
"Don't Vote" Banner Spotted on Lion Rock Mt. in Hong Kong
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31667
#LegCoElection #PatriotOnly #CCPstyle
"Don't Vote" Banner Spotted on Lion Rock Mt. in Hong Kong
A photo was circulating online on the LegCo election day (December 19, 2021) that a black banner with the text "don't vote" was displayed on top of Lion Rock.
Police had been stationed at the base of the mountain since early morning; by noontime, a Government Flying Service helicopter circled the summit at low attitude, observing from an open door on its side.
A number of police, fire, and ambulance vehicles are parked at the barbecue area at the base of the hill. The banner has apparently been removed by noontime; reporters who hiked to the summit did not see the black banner on the side of the mountain.
An anonymous group has claimed responsibility for installing the banner. According to their post on the LIHKG forum, their intention was to call on Hongkongers to boycott the Legco election taking place today (Dec 19) by not voting.
They also claimed that the banner had actually been installed a few days ago, and had "over-estimated" the authority's alertness as they hoped the banner's removal would draw the public's attention to their message.
A commenter noted that the concise two-character slogan "不投" can have alternative meanings; besides "don't vote", it could be read as implying "don't surrender" (不投降), or "don't conspire with Communists" (不投共).
Source: Boomhead, LIHKG
https://lih.kg/2814276
===
Related News:
How Hongkongers Respond to "Patriots-Only" #Election
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31663
"Patriots-Only" #LegCoElection Causes Lowest Turnout in Hong Kong History: 3.12 Million Hongkongers Cast #NoVote
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31665
"Don't Vote" Banner Spotted on Lion Rock Mt. in Hong Kong
A photo was circulating online on the LegCo election day (December 19, 2021) that a black banner with the text "don't vote" was displayed on top of Lion Rock.
Police had been stationed at the base of the mountain since early morning; by noontime, a Government Flying Service helicopter circled the summit at low attitude, observing from an open door on its side.
A number of police, fire, and ambulance vehicles are parked at the barbecue area at the base of the hill. The banner has apparently been removed by noontime; reporters who hiked to the summit did not see the black banner on the side of the mountain.
An anonymous group has claimed responsibility for installing the banner. According to their post on the LIHKG forum, their intention was to call on Hongkongers to boycott the Legco election taking place today (Dec 19) by not voting.
They also claimed that the banner had actually been installed a few days ago, and had "over-estimated" the authority's alertness as they hoped the banner's removal would draw the public's attention to their message.
A commenter noted that the concise two-character slogan "不投" can have alternative meanings; besides "don't vote", it could be read as implying "don't surrender" (不投降), or "don't conspire with Communists" (不投共).
Source: Boomhead, LIHKG
https://lih.kg/2814276
===
Related News:
How Hongkongers Respond to "Patriots-Only" #Election
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31663
"Patriots-Only" #LegCoElection Causes Lowest Turnout in Hong Kong History: 3.12 Million Hongkongers Cast #NoVote
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31665
LIHKG 討論區
獅子山直幡「不投」,係我地無名小隊掛嘅
《由於香港已經無自由去轉發以下訊息,身在香港嘅請唔好係social media 分享轉發,盡量以口,人傳人傳開去。相反係海外嘅手足請盡力轉發。》
各位香港人,我地係無名小隊。「無名」係因為我地真係無名,只係幾個原本互不相識嘅手足組成嘅小隊,成員有流亡,有入獄,亦有仲留係香港堅持嘅人。
入正題,今次獅子山上嘅直幡係我地既隊員掛上,目的就如直幡寫一樣,呼籲各位香港人杯葛今次嘅選舉,不投票。
有少部分人可能會想投俾所謂「獨立民主派」嘅人,佢地只係一班用花言巧語嘅政棍,話要特赦(手足本身就唔應該判有罪,消…
各位香港人,我地係無名小隊。「無名」係因為我地真係無名,只係幾個原本互不相識嘅手足組成嘅小隊,成員有流亡,有入獄,亦有仲留係香港堅持嘅人。
入正題,今次獅子山上嘅直幡係我地既隊員掛上,目的就如直幡寫一樣,呼籲各位香港人杯葛今次嘅選舉,不投票。
有少部分人可能會想投俾所謂「獨立民主派」嘅人,佢地只係一班用花言巧語嘅政棍,話要特赦(手足本身就唔應該判有罪,消…
#LegCoElection
DQ'd, Jailed, Exiled: the Fate of 31 Elected Pro-Democracy Members of 2016 Legislative Council
After a year-long delay, and after China has "perfected" Hong Kong's electoral system, the Legislative Council (Legco) election finally took place on December 19, 2021.
Unlike the past, traditional pro-democracy parties such as Democratic Party, Civic Party, and Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood are all absent from this election. Taking their place in running is a few lesser known, self-professed "non-establishment" candidates.
The previous Legco Election took place in 2016, in which over 2.2 million voters elected 35 legislators from the geographic constituencies, the only part of the legislature which is generated by direct election.
Taking by-elections into account, 31 pro-democracy legislators have been voted into office in 2016. However, these elected representatives can no longer serve as the voice of the people in the halls of the Legislature.
Of the 31, 4 have emigrated from Hong Kong or have left in exile. 14 are in custody or are serving prison sentences, while 5 have been released on bail. The remaining 10 have stepped back from politics.
The oath taking controversy in 2016-2017 saw six legislators disqualified ("DQ") and removed from office, as a result of China's National People's Congress reinterpreting the requirements in Hong Kong's Basic Law after the legislators have already taken their oaths.
Following the 2019 #AntiELAB movement, the pro-democracy camp initiated a primary election in a bid to secure over half of the seats in Legislature in the election originally scheduled for 2020. 610,000 voters cast their votes in the primaries which saw candidates from across the full spectrum of the democratic camp participate. 18 of them had been sitting members of the 2016 Legco.
However, the primary election was accused by the authorities to be a "plot to paralyze the government", and the police arrested 55 people associated to the primaries under the #NationalSecurityLaw. This includes 16 of the aforementioned 18 sitting Legco members; the remaining two, #NathanLaw and #TedHui, have left Hong Kong in exile.
Source: Stand News #Dec18
https://thestandnews.page.link/Tmr7PZVS2TohiCqWA
#PoliticalProsecution #DQ #HongKongElection #CCPStyle
#Regime #PoliceState #Arrest
===
Related News:
How Hongkongers Respond to "Patriots-Only" #Election
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31663
"Don't Vote" Banner Spotted on Lion Rock Mt. in Hong Kong
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31667
"Patriots-Only" #LegCoElection Causes Lowest Turnout in Hong Kong History: 3.12 Million Hongkongers Cast #NoVote
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31665
DQ'd, Jailed, Exiled: the Fate of 31 Elected Pro-Democracy Members of 2016 Legislative Council
After a year-long delay, and after China has "perfected" Hong Kong's electoral system, the Legislative Council (Legco) election finally took place on December 19, 2021.
Unlike the past, traditional pro-democracy parties such as Democratic Party, Civic Party, and Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood are all absent from this election. Taking their place in running is a few lesser known, self-professed "non-establishment" candidates.
The previous Legco Election took place in 2016, in which over 2.2 million voters elected 35 legislators from the geographic constituencies, the only part of the legislature which is generated by direct election.
Taking by-elections into account, 31 pro-democracy legislators have been voted into office in 2016. However, these elected representatives can no longer serve as the voice of the people in the halls of the Legislature.
Of the 31, 4 have emigrated from Hong Kong or have left in exile. 14 are in custody or are serving prison sentences, while 5 have been released on bail. The remaining 10 have stepped back from politics.
The oath taking controversy in 2016-2017 saw six legislators disqualified ("DQ") and removed from office, as a result of China's National People's Congress reinterpreting the requirements in Hong Kong's Basic Law after the legislators have already taken their oaths.
Following the 2019 #AntiELAB movement, the pro-democracy camp initiated a primary election in a bid to secure over half of the seats in Legislature in the election originally scheduled for 2020. 610,000 voters cast their votes in the primaries which saw candidates from across the full spectrum of the democratic camp participate. 18 of them had been sitting members of the 2016 Legco.
However, the primary election was accused by the authorities to be a "plot to paralyze the government", and the police arrested 55 people associated to the primaries under the #NationalSecurityLaw. This includes 16 of the aforementioned 18 sitting Legco members; the remaining two, #NathanLaw and #TedHui, have left Hong Kong in exile.
Source: Stand News #Dec18
https://thestandnews.page.link/Tmr7PZVS2TohiCqWA
#PoliticalProsecution #DQ #HongKongElection #CCPStyle
#Regime #PoliceState #Arrest
===
Related News:
How Hongkongers Respond to "Patriots-Only" #Election
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31663
"Don't Vote" Banner Spotted on Lion Rock Mt. in Hong Kong
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31667
"Patriots-Only" #LegCoElection Causes Lowest Turnout in Hong Kong History: 3.12 Million Hongkongers Cast #NoVote
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31665
62 out of 389 District Councillors remains after being disqualified of taking oath, resignation and other reasons
#DistrictCouncillors #Election #Prodemocracy #GoHKgraphics
#DistrictCouncillors #Election #Prodemocracy #GoHKgraphics
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen urges Beijing not to misjudge the situation in New Year speech
In Taipei, President Tsai Ing-wen delivered a New Year's speech in which she reiterated her concern about the situation in Hong Kong and stressed that the military was not an option for resolving cross-strait differences, urging Beijing not to misjudge the situation.
In her 2022 New Year's speech at the presidential palace, Tsai Ing-wen set out the four main plans for her administration this year, including continuation on global engagement, maintaining the economic momentum, strengthening the social security network, and safeguarding Taiwan's sovereignty.
She said that the interference in the election of the Hong Kong Legislative Council and the arrest of media personnel had raised concerns about human rights and freedom of speech in Hong Kong.
"The pursuit of democracy and freedom is not a crime, and Taiwan's position in support of Hong Kong will not change. Aside from showing our concern, we will cherish our own hard-earned freedom and democracy even more deeply", Tsai said.
Source: Now News #Jan01
https://news.now.com/home/international/player?newsId=461848&refer=Share
#Taiwan #TsaiIngWen #LegislativeCouncil #Election #TheStandNews #Arrest #PressFreedom
[Translator note: Some wordings are following the report from Focus Taiwan, a CNA English News agency]
In Taipei, President Tsai Ing-wen delivered a New Year's speech in which she reiterated her concern about the situation in Hong Kong and stressed that the military was not an option for resolving cross-strait differences, urging Beijing not to misjudge the situation.
In her 2022 New Year's speech at the presidential palace, Tsai Ing-wen set out the four main plans for her administration this year, including continuation on global engagement, maintaining the economic momentum, strengthening the social security network, and safeguarding Taiwan's sovereignty.
She said that the interference in the election of the Hong Kong Legislative Council and the arrest of media personnel had raised concerns about human rights and freedom of speech in Hong Kong.
"The pursuit of democracy and freedom is not a crime, and Taiwan's position in support of Hong Kong will not change. Aside from showing our concern, we will cherish our own hard-earned freedom and democracy even more deeply", Tsai said.
Source: Now News #Jan01
https://news.now.com/home/international/player?newsId=461848&refer=Share
#Taiwan #TsaiIngWen #LegislativeCouncil #Election #TheStandNews #Arrest #PressFreedom
[Translator note: Some wordings are following the report from Focus Taiwan, a CNA English News agency]
Now 新聞
蔡英文新年談話 促北京勿誤判情勢
【Now新聞台】在台北,蔡英文總統發表新年談話,重申關注香港局勢,並強調軍事不是解決兩岸分歧的選項,促請北京不要誤判情勢。