Two of Hong Kong’s leading politicians are contesting one of the territory’s most eagerly watched elections since China resumed sovereignty a decade ago. The battle between pro-democracy Anson Chan and China-backed Regina Ip is seen as a referendum on democracy.

An old Chinese friend of mine once said about modern politics in China,”the story is not necessarily about the gun (the candidate) but rather it’s all about who will pull the trigger (the people/powers backing the candidate).” It seems that this may be the case in Hong Kong’s upcoming election as well. A win by Chan would suggest that the forces of democracy (whoever they may be) are on the rise (at least in Hong Kong) while an Ip win would suggest that Beijing’s grasp is growing ever to tighter.

Hong Kong in democracy test poll