Press hails 'record' HK turnout

Results from the Legislative Council elections in Hong Kong came too late for the region's press, but papers on both sides of the political spectrum welcome the high turnout as a victory for democracy.

Pro-Beijing dailies hope for a change of heart among the democratic camp and exhort them to be more cooperative in future. Independent-minded papers meanwhile seem content that whoever wins, Beijing must respect the popular clamour for greater openness.

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Pro-Beijing

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In a record turnout, about 1.7 million people voted to elect the third Legislative Council [LegCo]. It is the first time that half of the LegCo's 60 seats have been returned by direct election, giving rise to the most democratically elected legislature in the history of Hong Kong.

Report in Hong Kong edition of official Beijing China Daily

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Whether the 'democrat camp' legislators can change their standpoint towards the central government will be an important factor affecting the working process and achievements of the third Legco. It is hoped that people of insight among the 'democrat camp' legislators can be responsible towards Hong Kong while being responsible towards the nation, and make a wise choice.

Commentary in Wen Wei Po

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Maintaining social stability and promoting economic prosperity so that citizens can enjoy a good and prosperous life was the biggest demand from public opinion in Hong Kong.

Editorial in Wen Wei Po

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The 'democrat camp' has constantly stirred up political struggles in Legco, which has already greatly weakened the respected image of Legco members in society. It is hoped that the members of this new Legco will fulfil their duties loyally, carry out their official duties in an honest manner, serve society, and rebuild their image.

Editorial in Ta Kung Pao

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In the next four years, the 'democrat camp' could still hold a considerable part of the seats in Legco, but they will not fare too well, their 'democratic capital' is almost used up and it will be hard for them to go on using it.

Columnist Kwan Chiu in Ta Kung Pao

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Independent

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1.7 million people used their votes to tell the special administrative region [SAR] government yesterday, we want democracy! 1.7 million people used practical actions to tell the central government yesterday, we want democracy! 1.7 million people said in a firm and clear voice to the international community yesterday, Hong Kong people want democracy!.. How can the top levels of the central government and Chief Executive Mr Tung Chee-hwa still pretend that they cannot hear the calls for democracy from 1.7 million people?

Editorial in Apple Daily

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Regardless of who the final winners and losers of the election are, such a high voter turnout already shows that democracy has taken a step forward... The new Legco should also straighten out relations with the administration, let the executive administration operate according to the greatest interests of the Hong Kong people and win a green light from Beijing for democratisation, so as not to disappoint one million voters.

Editorial in Singtao Daily

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This is a powerful demonstration of the Hong Kong people's commitment to democracy - no matter who they chose to vote for. It is further evidence of our community's growing interest in politics and desire to play a part in determining the future of Hong Kong.

Editorial in South China Morning Post

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The rational and calm actions of Hong Kong people clearly show that they support a democratic electoral system, the SAR government must listen respectfully to the voices of the public, re-examine the policies and style of its administration, push administrative development forward, and build advantageous conditions for improving relations between the administration and Legco.

Editorial in Ming Pao

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The Legco elections are only once every four years and are a solemn and major event, but they unexpectedly fell into the hands of incompetent SAR government officials and actually evolved into a farce, which really insulted this election, and also insulted the voters.

Editorial in Oriental Daily News

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