HONG KONG, Feb 29:  Hong Kong’s pro-democracy camp won a key by-election today, with one young activist who advocates independence from China also taking tens of thousands of votes in closely-watched polls at a time of rising political tension.
While it was a candidate from one of the established pro- democracy parties who won the election, the results showed growing support for the more radical “localist” movement, which advocates far greater autonomy from Beijing amid rising concerns over Chinese interference.
The movement grew out of the failure of pro-democracy rallies in 2014 to win concessions on political reform and advocates more radical tactics to force change.
Student Edward Leung, 24, one of the leaders of localist group Hong Kong Indigenous, took more than 66,000 votes in the election held yesterday in New Territories East — far more than observers expected.
That secured him third place behind pro-Beijing candidate Holden Chow in second and Alvin Yeung of the established pro-democracy Civic Party who won the seat.
Yeung took 160,880 votes to Chow’s 150,329 in the by-election, triggered when a prominent pro-democracy politician stood down.
The seat in the mainly middle-class constituency in the north of Hong Kong is traditionally a democratic stronghold.
Leung’s slice of the vote was an indication of widening sympathy for localists, some of whom were involved in clashes with police earlier this month which left more than 100 injured.
Leung is currently facing a rioting charge for his involvement.
He said his group must be taken more seriously after the election result.
“In the past, the government, political parties, mainstream media have billed us as rioters. Now we have a mandate from 66,000 voters,” Leung said.
Winning candidate Yeung has distanced himself from Leung’s radicalism, but said the result should make the government sit up and listen.
“The number of votes obtained by myself and Edward Leung is not trivial. It is reflecting a serious governance issue,” he said.
Hong Kong was handed back to China by former colonial power Britain in 1997 and its freedoms are protected by a 50-year agreement. (AGENCIES)

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