Hong Kong votes in symbolic by-election

HONG KONG - Hong Kong voters cast ballots on Sunday in a legislative by-election, a contest which has been likened to a referendum on democracy in the city that returned to Chinese rule 10 years ago.

The election on Hong Kong island pits two charismatic former civil servants -- Anson Chan and Regina Ip -- against each other and has been one of the most watched campaigns in recent years, even sparking scuffles between supporters from the two camps.

The final result will not change the balance of power in the 60-member Legislative Council (Legco), but is widely considered an indicator of political preferences among Hong Kong's people.

"It remains to be seen whether the outcome will have any bearing on the model for political reforms the government will ultimately present (to Beijing)," said the South China Morning Post said. "It might help shape how the central government perceives the city's aspirations for full democracy."

Hong Kong's leader, the chief executive, is picked by an 800-seat committee under the influence of the Communist leadership in Beijing. Half of the legislature is popularly elected and half picked by "functional constituencies".

The city's constitution makes universal suffrage the ultimate aim of political reform, but is vague on the timing and roadmap. Analysts say Beijing wants to delay as long as possible.

Chan and Ip both say they favour the introduction of universal suffrage by the next chief executive election, which is in 2012, but they differ on important technicalities, including how candidates should be nominated.

DEMOCRACY

The fractious pro-democracy camp is looking for a boost from Chan, 67, the frontrunner in public opinion polls, after a demoralising drubbing in district council elections last month at the hands of the biggest pro-Beijing party.

Chan made a name for herself as the first Chinese, first female head of the civil service under British rule, and she emerged from retirement a year ago to press for universal suffrage, disillusioned by the slow pace of reform.

Event organiser Fonda Chui, 46, said she voted for Chan based on principle.

"I understand there is very little about democracy that we can do in Hong Kong. There are a lot of people who are pro-government. But we need somebody who stands up on the side of the people," she said.

Ip, 57, enjoys the support of the city's powerful pro-establishment constituency, which is content to let Beijing decide when and how democracy should be expanded.

Ip is perhaps best known for trying to force an unpopular anti-subversion law through the city legislature in 2003 when security chief. That bid is widely blamed for sparking a protest that drew half a million people into the streets, shocking leaders in Beijing.

Chef Sammy So, 36, voted for Ip, and said he did not consider democracy a touchstone issue. "I think 50 percent of Hong Kong people just care about their jobs and how much money they make. I'm in that 50 percent."

Analysts say a win by Chan could give the pro-democracy camp a boost in full Legco elections next year.

By 7:30 pm (11:30 a.m. British time) 42 percent of the 620,000 eligible voters had cast ballots, a high turnout so far by Hong Kong standards. Polls close at 10:30 pm.