Gridlock on the Road to Democracy

Hong Kong is headed for political gridlock after a huge rally on Dec. 4 in favor of greater democracy for the city. The unexpectedly big turnout250,000 claimed by the organizers, 63,000 by the authoritieshas hardened the positions of both the pro-democracy camp and the Chinese leadership in Beijing. The democrats are emboldened, and more determined than ever to push for "universal suffrage": a Chief Executive chosen by the people and not a narrow electoral college; and for a fully elected legislature, not the mixed bag of members currently chosen by either popular vote or professional groups. Beijing, for its part, refuses...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!