Hong Kong's First "Patriots-Only" Election

As of 4.30pm the red line shows this year's vote versus 2019

In case you didn't know, Hong Kong is having its District Council elections in today. 

Everywhere there are constant reminders for people to vote, from posters and billboards to advertisements on radio, television and online. 

However, the Hong Kong government might have to conduct a post mortem to find out what happened because so far the turnout is significantly lower than in 2019.

As of 2.30pm, 15.47 percent of the 4.33 million registered voters have cast their ballots in the "patriots-only" race. Meanwhile at the same time four years ago,  71.2 percent of voters turned out, giving the pro-democratic camp a massive landslide victory.

But this year only those candidates who passed background checks and received nominations from pro-government committees were allowed to run this time.

Nevertheless, how to explain to Beijing the projected low voter turnout?

Was it because Hongkongers went across the border to Shenzhen for some rest and relaxation? Too busy stimulating the city's economy with Christmas shopping? Or got too caught up taking free public transit all over Hong Kong?

Oh update -- as of 4.30pm, 19.19 percent of registered voters have done their civic duty, compared to 71.23 percent in 2019. There are projections there could be a 26 percent turnout...