DHAKA: New generation pro-democracy activists have won seats on Hong Kong’s Legislative Council (LegCo).

The young leaders want greater autonomy and changes to the way Hong Kong is governed by China. Voter turnout reached a record high of 58%, reports the BBC.

Among those elected is Nathan Law, 23, who helped lead the “Umbrella Protests” in 2014 for self-determination.

Despite the gains, China's supporters will continue to hold the majority of seats on the 70-seat council.

Law expressed shock at the result, saying it showed people “wanted change”.

There has been no reaction yet from the Chinese government in Beijing.

A delay in releasing preliminary results had caused some concern. Full results are due later on Monday.

The election is the first in the territory since the 2014 unrest, when central areas of Hong Kong were paralyzed for weeks by mostly young protesters.

BDST: 1517 HRS, SEP 05, 2016
RR

*** Hong Kong counts votes from first post-protests poll