HK's pro-independence activists celebrate victory in LegCo polls

Hong Kong

A NEW generation of young Hong Kong politicians advocating a break from Beijing became lawmakers for the first time on Monday, in a result likely to rattle China.

It was the biggest poll since mass pro-democracy rallies in 2014 failed to win concessions on political reform, leading to the emergence of a slew of new parties demanding more autonomy from Beijing.

Those parties now have a foothold in the legislature with five young candidates backing independence or self-determination for Hong Kong taking seats.

Observers branded their victory "a strong message to Beijing", which has railed against candidates supporting a split from China.

A record 2.2 million people voted in the city-wide election for members of the Legislative Council (LegCo), Hong Kong's lawmaking body, as fears grow Beijing …