Hong Kong democrats score massive victory in local elections

Philip FONG / AFP

Pro-democracy candidates in Hong Kong have made unprecedented gains in the district council elections, early results show.

According to local media reports, 17 of the 18 councils are now controlled by pro-democracy councillors.

They've secured a clear majority by 8.00 am (midnight GMT Sunday) with 333 of 452 seats, compared with 52 for the pro-establishment camp.

The results could raise the heat on Hong Kong's pro-Beijing chief executive Carrie Lam, who had sparked the six-month-long anti-government protests over a now withdrawn extradition law.

"This is the power of democracy. This is a democratic tsunami," said a former student protest leader who won a seat in the Yuen Long district.

More from International News

On Virgin Radio today

  • Non Stop Hits

    1:00am - 8:00am

    The UAE's #1 Hit Music Station with no interruptions

  • Adam Eddine

    8:00am - 11:00am

    Playing 10 hits in a row every hour, all weekend!

Trending on Virgin Radio

  • BRED Abu Dhabi

    BRED Abu Dhabi, Presented by Hypebeast, is back April 24-28 in Yas Bay. The line up is next level and locked in.

  • Ed Sheeran - UAE EXCLUSIVE

    Latest album, what happened with BTS, raising a baby girl, eye surgery, and more!

  • Jason Derulo on the Kris Fade Show!

    The super-star and multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, Jason Derulo is bringing the heat to Dubai.

  • ARN News Centre

    Get the latest UAE and world news from our award winning team of journalists. The ARN News Centre is the country's most trusted source of information.