Activist Banned From Running in Hong Kong Election

Hong Kong authorities disqualified high-profile pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong from upcoming local council elections, in the latest sign of deepening division in the territory wracked by months of protests. A returning officer notified Wong that his nomination as a candidate in next month's elections was ruled invalid, according to a copy of the letter Wong posted on his Twitter account. The government issued a statement saying the nomination of a candidate, whom it did not identify, was ruled invalid, the AP reports. It indicated the problem was related to the candidate advocating "self-determination" for Hong Kong, which it said conflicts with the requirement for candidates to declare they'll pledge allegiance to the city and uphold its constitution.

Wong became known as the young face of Hong Kong's 2014 "Umbrella Movement" protest movement. He has been less prominent in the current protest movement, which has been leaderless and whose participants have sought to remain anonymous. Wong and other pro-democracy activists were disqualified from running in previous elections. But the others have reportedly been approved for the Nov. 24 district council elections, making him the only one to be banned. He accused Beijing of manipulating the election. Wong's disqualification came as city leader Carrie Lam ruled out finding a political resolution before ending protest violence. "For the government to resort to measures that will appease the violent rioters, I don't think that is the solution," she told reporters. (Another, more unique form of protest is emerging in Hong Kong.)