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Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Camp Eyes Big Gains in Local Elections

William Gallo

   HONK KONG - Over the past five months, millions have marched through
   Hong Kong, demanding democratic reform in the semi-autonomous Chinese
   territory. On Sunday, Hong Kongers will finally get a chance to express
   their opinion, albeit in a limited way, by casting votes.

   If the election goes ahead as planned, Hong Kongers will choose over
   400 members of 18 district councils scattered across the tiny territory
   --a crucial barometer of public opinion amid a wave of anti-government
   protests that have become increasingly aggressive.

   The hyper-local district council members don't actually wield that much
   power but under Hong Kong's quasi-democratic system, the vote could
   have major effects on how the territory's more influential Legislative
   Council and chief executive are selected in the future.

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