Why is there a de facto referendum?
Since the government refused to detail how universal suffrage will be introduced as promised by Beijing for the 2017 chief executive and 2020 Legco elections in its constitutional reform proposal, pan-democrats wanted to create an occasion where the public can air their democratic aspirations through the ballot box - when five lawmakers resign and contest the ensuing by-elections.
Why did Beijing see it as a challenge to its authority?
With a theme of seeking 'genuine universal suffrage, abolish Legco functional constituencies', the de facto exercise was criticised for being unconstitutional, as the Basic Law did not provide for any referendum mechanism. The exercise's slogan, calling it an 'uprising' against an unjust system, further annoyed Beijing, as it sees any attempt to let the people decide their fate as undermining its sovereignty.
Who will take part in the by-elections?
Only two lawmakers from the Civic Party and three from the League of Social Democrats quit their seats. Originally seen as a pan-democratic camp campaign, the Democratic Party pulled out after questioning the risk of losing seats, which would threaten the camp's current veto power in the legislature. After Beijing condemned the exercise, its local supporters have either announced they will not run, or are preparing to pull out.
