DHAKA: Hong Kong’s legislature on Thursday vetoed a China-vetted electoral reform package that had been criticized by opposition pro-democracy lawmakers and activists as flawed and undemocratic.

Hundreds of Beijing supporters had converged outside government buildings as city legislators voted on the Beijing-backed electoral package that aimed to define the Chinese-controlled city’s democratic future.

The vote happened earlier than expected, with only 37 of the legislature’s 70 legislators present. Of these, 28 lawmakers voted against the blueprint and 8 voted in favour, while one did not cast their vote. 

Moments before the ballot, a large number of pro-establishment and pro-Beijing lawmakers suddenly walked out of the chamber, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1218 HRS, JUN 18, 2015
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