Panel Chooses 36 in Hong Kong for Beijing Body
HONG KONG — This Special Administrative Region chose 36 deputies to China’s national legislature Monday in an election denounced by pro-democracy activists.
Jiang Enzhu, 58, head of the Hong Kong branch of Beijing’s New China News Agency, received 397 votes from the 424-member election committee, composed of Hong Kong’s political and business elite.
Before Hong Kong reverted to Chinese sovereignty in July, the news agency office was Beijing’s de facto embassy in the then-British territory.
Among those chosen were eight members of the provisional legislature installed by China after it took over Hong Kong because it objected to the rules that elected the previous one.
A dozen pro-democracy campaigners staged a noisy protest Monday outside the Convention Center, where the election was held.
“We deplore this disgraceful process,” said Emily Lau, who was ousted from the Hong Kong legislature that was elected under British rule in 1995.
“These 36 people elected this morning will not be able to represent the Hong Kong people. They will only be able to represent themselves and their business and political interests,” Lau said.
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