ADVERTISEMENT

Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Camp Wins Big in Accountant Election

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.

“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.

To contact the reporter on this story: Kiuyan Wong in Hong Kong at kwong739@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Candice Zachariahs at czachariahs2@bloomberg.net, Jonas Bergman, Michael Patterson

©2019 Bloomberg L.P.