Beijing must reassess Hong Kong situation as pro-democracy camp wins big, analysts say

One option is to hold a commission of inquiry into fallout from protests, former minister says

Beijing will have to decide whether Carrie Lam will continue as chief executive or not, political scientist says

Reading Time:3 minutes

People queue up to cast their ballots for the district council elections at a polling station in Aberdeen Sports Centre on Sunday. Photo: May Tse

Published: 9:00am, 25 Nov 2019Updated: 4:02pm, 25 Nov 2019

The results of Sunday’s historic district council elections in Hong Kong should set alarm bells ringing in Beijing and among local government officials, analysts said.

While the central government earlier urged Hong Kong officials to proceed with the elections after more than five months of anti-government protests and was prepared for a harsh outcome, now it may have to wrestle with changing course in its handling of the city.

Former secretary for transport and housing Anthony Cheung Bing-leung said Beijing would have to rethink its approach to ending the mayhem in the city as the pro-establishment camp got a drubbing.

One avenue is to seriously consider options, such as holding an inquiry into all aspects of the fallout from the unrest, triggered by a now-withdrawn extradition bill.

He said both the pro-democracy and pro-establishment camps viewed this year’s district council elections as a political battle, not the usual contest over livelihood issues.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x