24 November

People in Hong Kong are voting in the territory's first major elections since pro-democracy protests broke out over five months ago. NHK World's Keiichi Takamura has the following report on what to expect from the closely watched vote.

A record number of people -- about 4.1 million -- are registered to vote in Hong Kong's District Council elections. Residents began casting their ballots on Sunday morning.

One voter noted that Hong Kong has many problems, adding, "We'd like to vote for our right for democracy."

A total of 452 seats are being contested in 18 districts. Pro-Beijing councilors currently hold about 70 percent of the seats. But the pro-democracy side has gained momentum from the protests, and it hopes to win a majority.

District councilors have a limited role in the territory's politics. But they do play a role in choosing the chief executive, who is not directly elected by residents.

Current Chief Executive Carrie Lam is under pressure to bring an end to months of demonstrations, which have turned increasingly violent.

The elections are seen as a referendum on the protests, the government's response to them, and the future of Hong Kong. The results are expected on Monday.—NHK