Wider concerns have emerged ahead of the Legislative Council elections in September as the dust settles from the pan-democrats’ primary. On one hand, Beijing denounced the unofficial vote as illegal and an extension of the political turmoil last year. On the other, the defeat of prominent veterans by youngsters in favour of confrontation has raised questions whether the city is moving further down the dangerous route of radicalism. The 16 winners from the “confrontation camp” played down the divide with the traditional pro-democracy parties and hoped the two factions could stay united. But they clearly positioned themselves as vanguards during the campaign, accusing some incumbent lawmakers of being conservative and compromising. That they held their own post-election media session without the allies shows they are keen to distinguish themselves as the new way forward. Whether their victory is indicative of a major shift in voter preference remains to be seen. The turnout of 610,000 in the primary is considerably lower than the estimate of 1.67 million votes commanded by the pan-democratic camp in the district council elections last year. These young faces may have a stronger appeal within their circles and social media, but remain largely unknown to the public. Their track records are as obscure as their platforms. Nominations for the polls begin today. It remains unclear whether the radicals would be disqualified to run for refusing to pledge allegiance to the Basic Law and the special administrative region as required. But a bigger test awaits when they face a wider electorate in September. Beijing’s fury, chilling effect and uncertainty loom after opposition polls The elimination of moderate hopefuls means voters’ choices would be narrower. The Civic Party and Democrats are under pressure to follow confrontational tactics. Such a trend does not bode well for governance and Beijing-Hong Kong relations. Increasingly, the legislature has become dysfunctional, as evidenced by the disruptive tactics by a handful of rebel lawmakers over the past years. Beijing is unlikely to soften its stance against the opposition. The Hong Kong government is also expected to act tough. The political outlook is anything but promising.