Over half a million Hongkongers have cast their ballot so far during the weekend’s primary election, according to co-organisers Power for Democracy. Citizens ignored government threats over the new security law and formed long queues to vote across the city, in spite of temperatures exceeding 33c and a recent spike in Covid-19 cases.

democrats election hong kong
(Back row L-R) Agnes Chow, Anthony Wong, Tiffany Yuen, Denise Ho, Lester Shum (front row L-R) Eddie Chu, Joshua Wong, and Gregory Wong pose while campaigning during a primary election in Hong Kong on July 11, 2020. Photo: May James/AFP.

500,002 people had voted by 6:30pm on Sunday, with polls set to close at 9pm. Results will be announced on Monday or Tuesday.

See also: Hongkongers vote on first day of democrats’ primaries

Voters have been selecting pro-democracy candidates to run in the official legislative election in September. Candidates were vying to secure seats in five geographical constituencies – Kowloon East, Kowloon West, Hong Kong Island, New Territories East and New Territories West – as well functional constituencies, including the “super” district councillors and health services sectors.

Organisers said they want to improve candidates’ chances of winning a majority in the legislature – a goal known as “35+” with some deeming the primaries the last “free election” in Hong Kong in anticipation of candidate disqualifications.

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang claimed that participation in the primaries could violate the law due to organisers’ call for democrats to veto the annual government budget if they win a majority in the legislature.

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Tom founded Hong Kong Free Press in 2015 and is the editor-in-chief. In addition to editing, he is responsible for managing the newsroom and company - including fundraising, recruitment and overseeing HKFP's web presence and ethical guidelines.

He has a BA in Communications and New Media from Leeds University and an MA in Journalism from the University of Hong Kong. He previously led an NGO advocating for domestic worker rights, and has contributed to the BBC, Deutsche Welle, Al-Jazeera and others.