KATHMANDU: Hong Kong authorities have disqualified as many as 12 pro-democracy candidates from upcoming elections, stoking further political tensions in the Chinese territory.
Opposition legislators had hoped to obtain a majority in the Legislative Council in September’s poll following Beijing’s imposition of a highly controversial national security law.
Among those barred are high-profile activists Joshua Wong and Lester Shum. The government said the candidates were not fit to run for office.
It said they could not be considered to be abiding by the constitutional duty required of lawmakers if they advocated for, or promoted, Hong Kong’s independence.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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