After months of protest, marked by cries for reform and clashes with police, the people of Hong Kong sought to make their voices heard at the ballot box Sunday.
For months protesters have been demanding reform in light of a controversial bill — since shelved — which became a lightning rod for concerns of Beijing's creeping influence over the former British colony, which was returned to Chinese rule in 1997.
During the months of turmoil, police and protesters have been engaging in increasingly violent clashes — with officers regularly using tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon to control crowds wielding Molotov cocktails, bricks and even occasional bows and arrows. “The only possible remaining method is through this local council election. This is a big day for the protesters,” he said, adding that the Hong Kong government will have to accept the public opinion reflected in the election results.YE AUNG THU / AFP - Getty Images
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