What Tomorrow Brings

The anti-government protests have been going on for over six months now

Tomorrow is the District Council elections and there were concerns the government would call them off because of escalating violence from six months of anti-government protests.

Protest held today against the police's extensive use of tear gas

Many see tomorrow's elections as a referendum on Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and her administration, particularly in her bungled handling of this half year-long crisis that seems to have no end.

Although some people are still holed up at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the city has been relatively calm these few days, including a peaceful protest in Kowloon Tong this morning by families against the police force's indiscriminate use of tear gas.

Nevertheless, the pro-democracy camp has informed its supporters to vote as early as possible, concerned that the polling booths could be shut down if there is violence, so get the vote in early -- as early as 7.30am when the polling booths open.

Some of the destruction at Hong Kong Polytechnic University

This strategy is also to counteract the anticipated busloads of seniors from old folks homes who will be bused in to polling booths and then treated to dim sum after.

And the pro-Beijing side always say that protesters get paid...

One heartening piece of news is that the people of Hong Kong have been awarded the 2019 John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service. The awarded was received in Halifax, Canada by Figo Chan Ho-wun of the Civil Human Rights Front that organizes the mass marches, and former lawmaker Emily Lau Wai-hing.

Human rights activist Figo Chan in Halifax to receive award

Chan gave a short speech (in broken English) explaining to the audience how the Chinese government frames the protesters as "rioters", but that "we are simply fighting for democracy, freedom, and social justice. This is not a value of Hong Kong. This is a value we share between all of us".

He added over 4,000 people have been arrested so far, including first aiders, doctors and reporters.

"Even with immense pressure from the Chinese, we hope the international society will stand, join with us," Chan said.

Cindy McCain presented the award to Hong Kong people

Earlier Cindy McCain, wife of Senator John McCain who died in 2018, said: "I hope this tribute to those who are struggling for their rights in Hong Kong will encourage more people around the world to raise their voices in support of their cause, especially in my country's government. They are fighting for something larger than themselves."