Although facing sharp criticism over its exclusivity voting details, the Hong Kong government leaders say the poll is representative and so people should come out and vote.

Although this is an open election, it is closed to “non-patriots” as The Legislative Council election will only allow those deemed to be "patriots" to run for office. This contradiction has been strongly criticised by foreign observers, rights groups and several citizens of Hong Kong.

Although facing sharp criticism over its exclusivity voting details, the Hong Kong government leaders say the poll is representative and so people should come out and vote.

As to the electoral overhaul which re-wrote the ground rules for elections, including the security law imposed last year, the government leaders say this was necessary to ensure stability after the instability caused by the protests in the city in 2019.

Critics have however called on citizens to boycott the election to deliver a protest vote to the government and thereby reduce the turnout so that the election is deemed illegitimate.

These critics are risking their own freedoms as it is a crime in Hong Kong to incite anyone towards not voting or casting an invalid vote. Still, the critics seem to be making headway in their appeals as turnout is lower than the last legislative election in 2016.

According to government figures so far, 14.3% of the electorate had voted, down from 18.88%. Overall, the 2016 turnout was 58%, while the 43.6% in 2000 was the lowest since Britain returned Hong Kong to Chinese rule in 1997.

"There's no use if they do not think of the Hong Kong people," said university language teacher Tam Po-chu, 79, after casting her vote.

She believes that this election is crucial in cementing stability in the city and she believes that if those voted into office are responsive to the public, this stability will be a reality.