Shenzhen held a grassroots election yesterday amid protests from candidates over heavy-handed government intervention.
The urban district election allows Shenzhen residents to pick political representatives at the district level.
It is the only direct district-level election allowed on the mainland.
Five urban districts in Shenzhen are returning about 900 representatives who will supervise and give advice to local government administrations for the next five years.
Yesterday's election was very low profile. Because of a local news blackout, it was not reported by Shenzhen newspapers or television.
This resulted in a low turnout. In some areas, less than 10 per cent of people voted.
The election also drew heavy criticism from activists and individual candidates who accused authorities of manipulating the process.