Social justice 16/08/04 Pro-independence figures barred from Hong Kong election - Potential candidates had to sign document declaring territory an inalienable part

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Pro-independence figures barred from Hong Kong election

Potential candidates had to sign document declaring territory an inalienable part of China

Protesters near the government's headquarters in Hong Kong on Aug. 5, during the city's first pro-independence rally. Candidates banned from standing for election in Hong Kong because they are advocating a split from mainland China led the rally. (Photo by AFP)

ucanews.com reporter, Hong Kong
Hong Kong

August 11, 2016

Pro-Independence leaders in Hong Kong have been disqualified from running for the city's Legislative Council.

Hong Kong National Party leader Chan Ho-tin and other young pro-independence leaders were disqualified by the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) on the grounds they were unable to uphold Hong Kong Basic Law, the constitutional document of Hong Kong that details its relationship with mainland China.

Potential candidates also had to sign a document declaring Hong Kong an inalienable part of China, in a move seen as stopping pro-independence candidates from contesting the Sept. 4 elections.

However when pro-independence leader Edward Leung Tin-kei signed the declaration and deleted all pro-independence comments on his Facebook account, he was still rejected by an EAC officer, who claimed he would still advocate for independence if elected.

The disqualification of pro-independence leaders resulted in the Hong Kong National Party holding the first ever pro-independence rally Aug. 4, which organizers claimed was attended by 10,000. Police put the figure at 2,000.

Jeremy Wong, a university student, was very angry to see Leung and other pro-independence candidates disqualified by the EAC.

"It doesn't make sense and it is unjust. How can Leung run for a by-election half a year ago but not this time? It is definitely political pressure by the government toward dissidents," Wong told ucanews.com.

Joseph Cheng Yu-shek, a retired professor of political science, believes "the central government doesn't tolerate this kind of advocacy any more. That's why Leung could run for the election last time but not this time."

The pro-independence Leung ran in a February by-election. Although he didn't win, he gained more than 66,000 of the 434,220 votes, alarming some with his strong showing.

Jackie Hung, officer of the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission of Hong Kong, said government interference has been seen in previous elections.

"In the past by-election and district council elections last November, authorities banned the pro-independence candidates' campaign materials. This time we can see a stronger pressure," said Hung.

Hung believes such candidates should enjoy the freedom of speech afforded by Hong Kong Basic Law.

Catholic scholar Joseph Cheng Yu-shek said he understands the central government doesn't want independence promoted but he fears that the rule of law is being damaged.

"The EAC is both police and judge. They investigate and make the judgment. It is not in the spirit of the rule of law," said Cheng.

Jeremy Wong, in his early 20s, worries state oppression might radicalize social movements. "Facing more unreasonable pressure, social activists might turn to more radical approaches," Wong said.

While not personally a supporter of independence, Wong believes Beijing's interventions into Hong Kong's domestic affairs and the Occupy Central Movement have intensified divisions.

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