LettersWhy democracy matters in Hong Kong: eight lessons from the district council elections

Sheer turnout and results show that Hongkongers won’t accept handouts in exchange for an erosion of rights, and reject patronising governance enabled by the pro-establishment camp’s rubber stamp

Protesters should also see that voting is more effective than vandalism

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Pro-democracy candidate Jimmy Sham (right) celebrates with a supporter in the early hours of November 25 after winning his district council seat. Photo: AP

Published: 7:30am, 2 Dec 2019Updated: 7:30am, 2 Dec 2019

I am heartened by the fact that 2.94 million (more than 71 per cent) voters took part in the latest district council elections, the highest turnout in Hong Kong’s election history.

The pro-democracy camp won around 86 per cent of councillor seats, a tsunami of defeat for the pro-establishment camp, which has traditionally supported the government’s top-down non-responsive style of governance.

This affirms that most Hong Kong voters are unwilling to accept the government’s handouts (for instance, additional subsidies and public housing) in exchange for an erosion of the human rights that should prevail in a democratic and free society.

The district council election outcome conveys significant messages.

First, a fair and open election is an effective public referendum for all Hong Kong voters to express their majority preference for the city’s future mix of ruling politicians and policymakers.

Second, Hong Kong voters have faith in an election marked by fairness, openness and transparency.