Agnes Chow, 21, was seeking to become Hong Kong’s youngest council member for a pro-democracy party.
Pro-democracy groups took to the streets of Hong Kong on Sunday to protest the government’s decision to disqualify a prominent activists from legislative elections in March.
Agnes Chow, 21, was seeking to become Hong Kong’s youngest council member ever, contesting the seat of another “ umbrella movement “ activist, Nathan Law, 26, who was stripped of his seat for his role in the pro-democracy movement.
The government said Chow could not be a candidate because her party’s political platform violates the city’s electoral laws.
Chow is a member of a Hong Kong group that wants more autonomy from China, and the decision was seen as the latest move in the government’s crackdown against opposition politicians.
Al Jazeera’s Divya Gopalan, reporting from Hong Kong, said many residents were „angry and confused“ by the move.
„So many are saying that this decision is unexpected and has no basis,“ she said.
„Legal experts also say that this decision could set a precedent, perhaps in the future barring candidates from the elections based on some high level officials‘ decision, or perhaps opinion that a candidate’s history or political party’s manifesto is not suitable.“
Until her disqualification on Saturday, Chow’s papers were considered in order, Gopalan reported, adding she even gave up her British passport to stand in the elections.
