Chinese authorities ruled out prospects for an open election process to choose Hong Kong’s next leader, reports the BBC.
The Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress explained its decision on Sunday, stating,
“the sovereignty, security and development interests of the country are at stake there is a need to proceed in a prudent and steady manner.”
The pro-democracy Occupy Central movement, based in Hong-Kong, condemned the decision and warned that conflict and unrest in society could intensify as a result.
“We are very sorry to say that today all chances of dialogue have been exhausted and the occupation of Central will definitely happen," the group said.
Almost 800,000 people cast ballots in an informal referendum organised by Occupy Central on changing the method of choosing the Chief Executive of Hong-Kong, where over 90% said they wanted to directly vote for their leader.
Hong Kong votes for democratic reform in referendum (30 June 2014)
Thousands march through Hong-Kong to demand democratic reform (01 July 2014)
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