The unofficial referendum on democratic reforms in Hong Kong is almost over and at least one fifth of the residents have voted in the ballot which Beijing considers illegal.<br /><br />The campaign centres on how the next leader of the semi-autonomous territory should be chosen.<br /><br />As of 2017 China says Hong Kong can vote for its next leader, but the candidates must be approved by a committee.<br /><br />“Today’s voting is very meaningful because I think this is an opportunity for the Hong Kong people to know about their civic values,” said Tommy Yam, 50, an industrial businessman.<br /><br />In a more stark warning Paul Lam, a businessman from mainland China said,“the darkness is coming to Hong Kong. If we don’t continue to improve the country will die.”<br /><br />A demonstration is planned for July 1, the day which marks the anniversary of the UK handover of the island to China in 1997.<br /><br />Referendum organisers have called on all those who voted to turn out in order to keep the pressure on Beijing.
