JEON HEON KYUN / EPA / TASS

On Sunday, November 24, Hong Kong will hold elections in 18 city districts. They will effectively become a referendum on support for the pro-democracy movement, writes the Financial Times (FT). A record 4.13 million voters have registered to participate in the vote. This is 12% more than in the previous elections in 2015. 452 out of 479 members of district councils will be elected. Currently, about 75% of the seats in them are controlled by pro-government parties, which traditionally enjoy the support of the authorities, big business and trade unions. But the pro-democracy parties plan to put forward a record number of candidates for themselves - more than 500 people.

Experts doubt that they will be able to win a majority in the councils. "This is a very high bar," the FT quotes political scientist Ma Ngok from the Chinese University of Hong Kong as saying.

While local elections will not have a significant impact on the city’s political system, district councilors hold six of the 70 seats in the legislature, which goes to election in 2020. They also hold 117 of the 1,200 seats on the committee that selects Hong Kong’s chief executive. The committee is dominated by pro-Beijing appointees, but a victory in the local elections would give pro-democracy lawmakers a chance to make their case at higher levels.

US Senate Unanimously Backs Hong Kong Protesters

Politics / International Affairs

But whatever the outcome of Sunday's vote, it will do little to calm the protests, experts say. Despite the repeal of the extradition bill to mainland China that sparked the protests, demonstrations and clashes between protesters and police have continued and are becoming increasingly violent. Protesters are demanding the release and acquittal of arrested demonstrators, the creation of an independent commission to review police actions, the dissolution of the legislature and the introduction of genuine universal suffrage. But the Hong Kong government and Beijing, to which it answers, have refused to accommodate them.

"If the majority goes to parties that support the current government, the protests could intensify," warns Hong Kong University of Science and Technology professor Sin Ming (quoted by the FT).

The US position could also add to the tension. President Donald Trump is expected to sign bills in support of Hong Kong protesters, Reuters reported . The first bill would require the State Department to annually review whether Hong Kong retains enough autonomy to retain special economic status with the US. It would also impose sanctions on individuals who violate human rights in Hong Kong. The Senate unanimously approved the bill on November 19, and the House of Representatives voted 417-1 the following day.

In addition, Congress approved a bill banning the United States from supplying Hong Kong police with tear gas, rubber bullets and other special means that they use against protesters.

What to Expect from Hong Kong Elections