- In a democracy you have to listen to all sides' arguments and the most important thing right now is that we hold an election and show how a democracy should work, says human rights lawyer Hang Tung Chow to SVT and focus on how important it is actually that the election can be carried out. without interference.

No influential items

There are 452 representatives to be elected to 18 district committees. Their job is to be a link to the residents. Above all, they drive issues related to traffic, accessibility and the outdoor environment.

It is not really any prestigious or influential items; for example, there is no legislation in the assignments. However, some of the local representatives will take part in the panel that selects the new Hong Kong chief minister.

This highest office has been held by Carrie Lam since 2017. When her five-year term expires, there is a certain opportunity to influence Hong Kong's future leadership.

Symbolic choice

Maybe it doesn't even matter who wins the election. It has become symbolic and is said to say something about how the political winds are blowing.

Support for the democracy movement is still great and the upset over how the police have acted provides continued fuel for the movement. But of the 4.2 million registered voters, there is likely to be a large, silent group that supports Hong Kong's leadership.

Many who have not been able to openly or dare show their frustration at how the city has been paralyzed in the past six months. Both sides are likely to want the elections to be carried out as planned, and the Communist Party that governs China also has nothing to gain from further teasing the democracy movement in Hong Kong.