Pro-Beijing candidates sweep Hong Kong ‘patriots’-only elections

Legislative elections marred by record low turnout following crackdown on political dissent

Pro-Beijing candidates will occupy nearly every seat in Hong Kong's new legislature, after party loyalists swept the first elections under a revamp by Beijing ensuring that only patriots" could run for office.

The elections were marred by record low voter turnout that observers say signal a general political apathy in the city, 18 months since authorities began a crackdown on political dissent in the name of national security.