The initial comments about the Hong Kong elections

Three points about today’s local elections in Hong Kong. One, it is about the very impressive voter turnout. People participated in the election in very large numbers. The turnout is 71.2 per cent of the registered voters. Much higher than the one in 2015, which reached 47 per cent. Two, it is about the tranquillity of the day. There was no unrest, no confusion either during the vote or in the evening, as the papers were counted, and the first results announced. Three, initial results show that the pro-democracy candidates are gaining most of the seats. That will be a major blow to the Hong Kong Chief Minister. But, above all, to the Communist leaders in Beijing.

Again, the events as they happen in Hong Kong raise major issues about what next in China.