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It was all over bar the shouting yesterday as Hong Kong went to the polls in an election seen as determining the eventual shape of democracy for the city. The amount of support voters have given to pan-democrats and pro-establishment camps will have a bearing on the political reform package to be drawn up by the Legislative Council. Beijing has said it was possible residents could choose the chief executive by 2017 and all lawmakers by 2020, but no road map has been laid out. Our new lawmakers will help shape the arrangements for those elections.
 
WHY THEY VOTED
Martin So, 23, consultant
	Hong Kong Island
I am a first-time voter for the Legislative Council. My decision was not particularly affected by the recent national education debate. I just voted for someone I like.
Angel Wong, 50, retired
	New Territories East
I wouldn't answer the exit poll by the University of Hong Kong because I believe it is biased. From what the academics said in the newspapers, the HKU polls tend to exaggerate the results and Dr Robert Chung Ting-yiu [director of HKU's public opinion programme] is not trustworthy. I chose to answer the exit polls conducted by another organisation - but I forget which one.
Lee Wai, 76, retired
	Kowloon West
I'm aware that I have two votes - one for the geographical constituency and the other for the district council constituency. I saw so many clashes in the Legislative Council over the last term that I voted for candidates who can stay calm to discuss livelihood issues.
Li Shiu-ki, 75, retired
	Kowloon West
My criteria for backing a candidate is his or her performance in the district. I have discussed voting strategies with my daughter so our preferred parties get as many votes as possible.
Ng Sui-kei, 26, marketing officer
	Kowloon East
I voted for the FTU's Chan Yuen-han and Democrat Albert Ho Chun-yan because I want a balance of pro-democracy and pro-establishment forces in Legco so that the argument can continue. Society needs disagreements to make progress.
Pang Wing-cheung, 47, mechanic
	Kowloon East
I voted for independent Kay Yim Fung-chi because I don't trust any political party. I want to give a chance to a fresh face and have a new start. There should be more choices in the super seat so we can choose whichever district councillor we like.
Avin Shum, 32, IT worker
	New Territories West
I agreed with the Democratic Party's 'one person, two votes' electoral reform proposal in 2010 so I have also voted for the district council constituency. After all, with three million candidates picking five lawmakers, it is a citywide election with a huge mandate. The change in national education policy did not affect my vote much, but I will pick a candidate who can bring more democratic constitutional development.
Ruth Lam, 56, therapist
	New Territories West
The 'one person, two votes' system is good as it brings more directly elected lawmakers to the council. I voted for pro-establishment candidates who I think can stabilise Hong Kong. I never saw the government's national education policy as problematic - those students and politicians protesting at it were truly brainwashed.
Dr Leung, orthopedist
	Hong Kong Island
National education only had a minor influence on my decision. I cast my vote based on the platforms of the candidates, especially whether they have practical proposals to improve people's livelihoods. I won't split votes among my family either. We vote freely based on our personal decision.
Eric Chan, 23, student
	Hong Kong Island
To choose the suitable candidates, I consider whether their economic platforms are good for Hong Kong and their pledges of support for the city's rule of law.


The last word

Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and his wife, Regina (right), vote at the German Swiss International School on The Peak. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Candidates Avery Ng Man-yuen (left) and Christopher Chung Shu-kun (in orange shift) and supporters face off outside Siu Sai Wan Market. Photo: Sam Tsang

Sorting through the ballot papers at Kowloon Park Sports Centre. Photo: Nora Tam

On the hustings with pan-democrats in Wan Chai. Photo: Sam Tsang

Election officers close the polling station at Queen's College in Causeway Bay last night. Photo: Edward Wong

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