'1.3 Million Voters Beat Back Poll Saboteurs'

A Beijing official said Sunday’s Legislative Council elections showed that Hong Kong is embarking upon the path of “good-quality democracy”, adding that more than 1.3 million people who cast their ballots have given foreign forces who tried to undermine the polls a “slap in their face”.

Speaking at a seminar on Thursday, the deputy head of the liaison office, Chen Dong, said rationality was brought back to the elections which had been highly-politicised.

“Candidates in the Legco polls were no longer engaged in a war of words and unnecessary political disputes. They focused on economic and livelihood issues that people are concerned about, such as employment, housing, education, medical and elderly care. They garnered voters’ support and had received a good response,” he said.

Chen also said the legislators-elect came from all walks of life, represented various sectors of the community and were capable of solving problems in society.

Speaking at the same event, Chief Secretary John Lee said Hong Kong’s democratic development must be in line with the Constitution and the Basic Law.

He added that he believes the new Legco would be a constructive one, and would work with the government to improve people’s livelihoods.