Hong Kong votes for legislature with only loyalists approved

By ZEN SOO
Associated Press

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong is voting in the first election since Beijing amended the laws to reduce the number of directly elected lawmakers and vet candidates to ensure that only those loyal to China can run. The semi-autonomous territory was rocked by pro-democracy protests in 2014 and 2019, but they were crushed by security forces, followed by the imposition of a sweeping national security law that silenced most of the city’s opposition. Low turnout is expected, and 11 hours after voting began, some 26% of eligible voters cast their ballots. Authorities warned that foreign forces may be attempting to undermine the election after overseas activists urged a boycott of the vote, which is punishable with up to three years in prison.