Pro-democracy candidates in Hong Kong have taken a significant early lead in district council elections after residents turned out in record numbers to vote following six months of anti-government protests.
According to the figures, pro-democracy candidates have won 278 seats so far, and pro-Beijing candidates 42.
Despite fears the vote could be disrupted or cancelled over the unrest, it went ahead peacefully.
The election was seen as a test of support for the government after months of unrest, protests and clashes.
The government and Beijing had been hoping the election would bring a show of support from the so-called “silent majority”, but that did not materialise.
