European Union calls on HK to reconsider polls delay, barring of candidates

The European Union has called on Hong Kong authorities to reconsider the decisions to postpone Legislative Council elections through emergency powers, and the disqualification of pro-democracy candidates, includiing incumbent lawmakers.

The EU High Representative said in a statement, as set out in the council conclusions of July 24, the European Union is following closely the political situation in Hong Kong and reiterates that it is essential that the Legislative Council elections take place in an environment which is conducive to the exercise of democratic rights and freedoms as enshrined in the Hong Kong’s Basic Law.

The proposed postponement by one year of the elections to the Legislative Council through recourse to emergency powers, would delay the renewal of its democratic mandate and call into question the exercise of the democratic rights and freedoms guaranteed under Hong Kong’s Basic Law, the statement said

The recent disqualification of pro-democracy candidates, including sitting lawmakers previously democratically elected by the people of Hong Kong, also weakens Hong Kong's international reputation as a free and open society. The protection of civil and political rights in Hong Kong is a fundamental part of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, which the EU supports.

The EU calls on the Hong Kong authorities to reconsider these decisions, the statement said.