Opinion | Moderate Hongkongers tired of radical protesters must speak up through the district council elections

Public sentiment is turning against radical protests. For those who suspect foreign forces are behind Hong Kong’s protests, they may conclude that a phase has ended. While the outsiders have failed to provoke Beijing into sending in the national troops, they did manage a small poke in the eye via Hong Kong in the name of “democracy and freedom” to mar China’s otherwise grand 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic.

US President Donald Trump’s remarks on October 11, after China and America reached “phase one” of a trade deal, were remarkably honest when seen in this light: he acknowledged that Hong Kong was discussed, “great progress” had been made by China in Hong Kong, protests had “de-escalated” and the situation was “going to take care of itself”.

In any event, district council elections next month provide an opportunity for the moderate majority in Hong Kong to take action. Strategically, revving up violence now would turn voters off the opposition, whose politicians have been the least willing to criticise violence at home and most willing to call on foreign powers to help.

To press home our desire for peace, we should remind Hong Kong’s political class that they must help to lessen conflict and contention, not whip it up. We expect our politicians to prepare society for reconciliation, which will be a long process.

Will we see the spirit of moderation in the legislature now that it is back in session, and during election debates? Can our legislators and political parties make it a priority to strengthen our belief in the democratic process or will they disappoint?