Hong Kong to march for democracy on handover anniversary

The skyline of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Tens of thousands in Hong Kong are expected to hit the city's sweltering streets Thursday for an annual democracy rally marking the 13th anniversary of the former British colony's return to China. (AFP/File/Mike Clarke)

HONG KONG (AFP) – Tens of thousands in Hong Kong are expected to hit the city’s sweltering streets Thursday for an annual democracy rally marking the 13th anniversary of the former British colony’s return to China.

Organisers are expecting about 50,000 protesters to turn out for the July 1 march, down from 70,000 last year, underscoring fears that a deep split within the city’s opposition camp will deter potential participants.

The march has become an annual opportunity for campaigners to show the strength of opposition to Beijing and the local authorities.

But last week’s passage of a package of political reforms that promise an incremental boost to democracy — but not one person, one vote — has divided the opposition camp.

Some politicians warned that this year’s protest could be chaotic — with campaigners directing their anger not only at the government, but the formerly uncompromising Democratic Party, which recently changed course and voted in favour of the Beijing-backed reform package.

Raymond Wong, of the radical League of Social Democrats, said they would not encourage supporters to clash with the Democratic Party, but added “we can’t guarantee anything”.

“I expect the July 1 march will be very chaotic. The Communist Party will be very happy.”

Previously, the opposition was united in their goal to fight for universal suffrage for the city of seven million people in 2012 — and nothing less.

Last week, the Democratic Party’s lawmakers were mobbed by a large crowd of activists, who accused them of betraying Hong Kong people by kowtowing to Beijing.

To minimise disruption to Thursday’s rally, organisers said they will place members of the party at the end of the march.

Albert Ho, chairman of the Democratic Party, said he was prepared for a bad reception.

“There may be people who point fingers at us,” he said.

“But I don’t think it will turn into personal conflicts or physical confrontation… I am very confident it will be a peaceful and orderly demonstration.”

A record 500,000 people took part in the 2003 march, galvanised by an economic downturn and hostility towards the unpopular then chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, and his proposed national security bill.

The unexpected show of people power saw the security legislation shelved and was a key factor in Tung’s resignation the following year. — AFP