HONG KONG, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Both pro-government and pro-democracy forces made modest gains in Hong Kong's legislative elections Sunday, with a record 1.7 million voters participating.
The turnout was 55.6 percent of 3.2 million registered voters, the highest since elections were introduced in 1998.
Democrats won a disappointing 18 of the 30 directly elected seats, and demanded a recount in one district where initial results showed a popular member of their team losing her seat.
Pro-government forces won 12 seats in the direct elections. They also control a majority of the 30 professional interest group seats.
The result means that opposition forces may be unable to block government-proposed legislation. The councilors do not have the right to independently propose legislation related to government policy or public expenditure.
Two maverick newcomers - outspoken radio commentator Albert Cheung and political activist Leung Kwok-hung, known as "Long Hair" for his waist-length tresses - won seats in their districts. The two are certain to spice up discussions in the legislature.
