Hong Kong sees record low voter turnout in first 'patriots only' election
Hong Kong's first "patriots only" legislative election witnessed a record low turnout on Sunday, reflecting a steep decline in civic and political engagement following Beijing's overhaul of the city's electoral processes.
According to a government news release, provisional turnout was 30.2% by close of polls -- far lower than the previous record low of 43.6%, in 2000. The last legislative election five years ago saw a 58% turnout.
In an attempt to boost the vote, the city offered free public transport all day -- but rather than going to the polls, many Hong Kongers instead appeared to take the free trains and buses to hiking trails and campsites.
The results, announced Monday morning, saw pro-establishment candidates claim all 20 seats in the available geographic constituencies. None of the city's major pro-democracy parties fielded any candidates.
Read more: https://www.albanyherald.com/news/hong-kong-sees-record-low-voter-turnout-in-first-patriots-only-election/article_3206d7ad-c42a-58d6-98f7-e382557e3be0.html