HK residents votes in close polls

Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Henry Tang (R) and his wife casts their votes in the Legislative Council Election in Hong Kong yesterday. Voter turnout was at record levels in Hong Kong elections yesterday, pollsters said of polls considered a |est of feeling towards the city's rulers in Beijing after a yeaz of political strife in this former British colony. PHOTO: AFP

In the most extensive exercise in democracy in China, polls opened at 7.30 a.m. with a record 3.2 million voters registered to take part in elections nor the 60 seats in its Legislative Council. Polls close at 10.30 p.m. and initial results are expected early on Monday.

An early high turnout could boost the democratic camp in its goal of strong gains over pro-Beijing politicians although the complicated proportional representation system for the 30 directly elected seats in the chamber makes it difficult for any group to win a majority.

"I hope they will fight for what I want, which is universal suffrage," said postgraduate student Kim Yip-lo, 30, who voted for a democratic candidate.