Hong Kong bars 12 opposition nominees for assembly

Multiple pro-democracy lawmakers have been disqualified for Hong Kong's upcoming legislative election over their anti-Beijing stance. The step marks a major setback for the pro-democracy camp, which had aimed to win a majority of seats in the legislature this year.

Hong Kong: At least 12 pro-democracy nominees of the city including Joshua Wong were disqualified for a September legislative election, with authorities saying that they failed to uphold the mini-constitution and pledge allegiance to Hong Kong and Beijing.

Others who were disqualified include prominent pro-democracy activist Tiffany Yuen from the disbanded political organization Demosisto, as well as incumbent lawmaker Dennis Kwok and three others from the pro-democracy Civic Party.

It marks a setback for the pro-democracy camp, which had aimed to win a majority of seats in the legislature this year. Earlier this month, they held an unofficial primary, with candidates like Wong topping the polls.

Wong and many pro-democracy nominees had been asked to clarify their political stance earlier this week as their nominations were being reviewed.

Other nominations were still being reviewed, the government said in a statement expressing support for the disqualifications.

"We do not rule out the possibility that more nominations would be invalidated," it said.

AP