Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Friday postponed the September 6 elections to the Chinese-ruled city legislature for a year due to an increase in coronavirus cases, striking a blow to the pro-democratic opposition he hoped to achieve. large profits.
The United States quickly condemned the move, saying it was the latest example of Beijing undermining democracy in Chinese-ruled territory.
"This action undermines the democratic processes and freedoms that have underpinned Hong Kong's prosperity," White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany told reporters.
The decision to delay the vote came after 12 pro-democracy candidates were disqualified from running for perceived subversive intentions and in opposition to a new radical security law imposed by Beijing, raising questions among many about whether the pandemic was the real reason for the delay.
"Postponing the September elections for a year is a cynical move to contain a political, not a public health, emergency," said Sophie Richardson, China director at Human Rights Watch.
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