The counting of ballots in the Sixth-term District Council Ordinary Election of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) was completed on Monday by noon.
The voting occurred amid tough and unstable situations, as the "color revolution" riot continued and radical activities intensified. Yet the count took place in an orderly and peaceful way under the all-out support of the Hong Kong police, even though the process faced some trouble and threats.
The most pressing task now is to stop the violence and restore order in Hong Kong. The constant massive violent unrest over the past five months has pushed the financial hub into dangerous circumstances. Brutal behavior such as blocking airports and police stations, obstructing subways, forcibly occupying campuses, stabbing a lawmaker and setting fire to an old man trampled on law and social order, imperilled Hong Kong's prosperity and challenged the "one country, two systems" principle. If the situation is left alone, local residents will see no peace, and suffer from social and economic stagnation.
Recently, some leading radicals ostensibly declared a suspension of rioting temporarily, in order to wait for the voting results to ignite the rioting again. Some rioters planned to clamor for saving their arrested peers after the polling. Their hypocritical instincts and hidden intentions of causing violence are clear. Therefore the short peace ahead of voting couldn't change the fact that the rioters violent roots persist, and citizens' safety is at risk. Only when the roots are dug out and removed can peace and stability return to Hong Kong.
Just as the 70s classic song “Below the Lion Rock” says, "Life is often rough and worries are hard to avoid." The riot initially caused by the extradition bill is a difficult test for Hong Kong. It's common to meet wind and rain, but we must brave the storm. The ardent patriots in Hong Kong should look at the long-run interests of the city, unite and face hardships altogether, and shoulder the duty to restore social order and safeguard stability and prosperity. We have strong support from China's central government and 1.4 billion people, the resolution of the HKSAR government, police and judicial authorities to quash the unrest, and concerted efforts from all patriotic people. So we hold a firm belief that Hong Kong will escape the mire of "violence," overcome any dangers, and go on writing its legend.
(Compiled by Bai Yuanqi)