People's charge to the ballot box will spur wind of political change

The election tomorrow is being seen as a litmus test of people's political and civic awareness. While it is given that pro-democracy forces will win an even stronger presence in Legco, the degree of their success will serve as an indication of how strongly people aspire for democracy.

Beijing - which has pulled out all the stops in supporting pro-government candidates - is closely watching the political exercise. Officials and think-tanks will be deciphering the results to devise a new game plan, if necessary, on how to deal with Hong Kong.

The 13 months after the massive protest on July 1 last year have been a political and economic roller coaster for Hong Kong. In the run-up to what has been the most important popular vote in the city's history, political and economic developments have been viewed with more significance than they normally would.

On the surface of it, it is just another election of a new batch of 60 lawmakers given a four-year term to play a limited role of checks and balances on the executive branch. It is not about change of administration, nor policy direction.

Despite having six more directly elected geographical constituency seats, analysts and officials point out that the elections will not upset the overall balance of power in Legco.

Most anticipate the pro-democracy camp get ting about 25 to 27 out of a total of 60 seats. In numerical terms, the government is likely to secure a comfortable margin of 35 votes in the next legislature. The small 'd' democrats held 22 seats in the previous Legco.