Two outspoken political veterans faced off yesterday in one of Hong Kong's most keenly watched legislative elections since Britain returned the territory to China a decade ago, a race some are calling a referendum on democracy.
Although eight candidates were vying for the legislative seat, pre-election polls showed it was largely between two well-known, and politically divisive, female former officials -- Anson Chan (
Chan, dubbed ``Hong Kong's conscience'' for her championing of civil liberties, had the backing of the pro-democracy camp -- political parties that want Hong Kong to be able to elect all its lawmakers and leader by 2012.
Currently, only half the legislature is elected by voters, and Beijing has refused to set a date for full democracy.
Chan's closest rival, former security chief Ip, is squarely in the pro-administration corner, claiming to be fully supportive of full democracy for the vibrant, capitalist city, but only when Beijing gives its approval.
Whoever wins the election won't change Hong Kong's political landscape -- the legislature will still be controlled by Beijing's local allies.
Still, the balloting is seen as an important gauge of the public's desire for democratic reforms.
"Pro-Beijing voices are too strong in the legislature. I want to see one more pro-democracy lawmaker to balance the power," Susanna Yip said as she left a polling station, having voted for Chan.
"It's no doubt democracy is important, but I'm more concerned about how our livelihood can be improved," said IT executive Linda Au, who voted for Ip.
Political analysts expect the territory's Communist leaders in Beijing to keep a close eye on the election, but doubt whether the outcome will lead to any real change for Hong Kong.
"Beijing has already made up its mind on Hong Kong's democratic development. It's unlikely that it will allow universal suffrage in 2012, regardless of whether Chan wins the election or not," said James Sung, a political academic at the City University of Hong Kong.
However, Sung said a win by Chan would be a fillip for the pro-democracy movement, which suffered a huge blow in last month's district elections when Beijing-allied parties swept the board.
Analysts put that loss down to voters' reluctance to rock the boat when the economy is on an upswing, due in part to Hong Kong's close relationship with mainland China.
"No matter whether the economy is robust or not, there must be someone in the legislature to monitor and scrutinize the government," Chan told voters while canvassing at a public housing estate yesterday.
Hong Kong's leader is chosen by an 800-member committee loyal to Beijing and only half of its 60 legislators are elected, with the rest picked by interest groups.
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