Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Camp Wins Big in Accountant Election

(Bloomberg) -- Hong Kong’s pro-democracy supporters can chalk up another election victory.

In a vote for seats on the council of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, all six pro-democracy candidates running won against a mix of pro-government and independent opponents. The other seat up for grabs was filled by Roy Leung from accounting firm KPMG, according to the institute.

The vote followed a broader citywide election late last month, which saw pro-democracy candidates secure a landslide win. The politicized battle over seats on even an accounting board underscores how the polarization is deepening in Hong Kong amid mounting protests against China’s grip on the city.

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“The result shows how the industry speaks for itself after the district council election,” said Rosalind Lee, one of the successful candidates from the pro-democracy camp.

The seven new members will serve on the 21-member council for two years, starting Jan. 1, 2020. A new president will be elected after an annual general meeting on Dec. 12.

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