Reports: Hong Kong may postpone election, citing coronavirus

Hong Kong may postpone highly anticipated legislative elections scheduled for Sept. 6, citing a worsening coronavirus outbreak in semi-automous Chinese city, local media reports said Friday. An anuncement could come as soon as Friday evening, multiple Hong Kong newspapers and TV stations said. y all quoted unnamed sources.

A postponement would be a setback for pro-democracy opposition, which was hoping to capitalize on disenchantment with current pro-Beijing majority to make gains. A group of 22 lawmakers issued a statement accusing government of using outbreak as an excuse to delay vote.

city of 7.5 million people has seen a surge in coronavirus infections since beginning of July. Hong Kong h recorded over 3,100 infections as of Thursday, more than double tally on July 1. government has tightened social distancing restrictions, limiting public garings to two people, and banned dining-in at restaurants after 6 p.m.

le-up to elections has been closely watched, after a national security law that took effect in late June stipulated that candidates who violated law would be barred from running. new law is seen as Beijing’s attempt to curb dissent in city, after months of pro-democracy and anti-government protests in Hong Kong last year.

On Thursday, 12 pro-democracy candidates including prominent pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong were disqualified from running for t complying with city's constitution or pledging allegiance to local and national governments.

“Beyond any doubt, this is most scandalous election ever in Hong Kong history,” Wong said at a news conference Friday. “I wish to emphasize that reasonable man would think that this election ban is t politically driven.”

“Beijing has std multiple acts to prevent opposition bloc from taking majority in Hong Kong legislature,” he said.

elections could be deferred for up to a year, according to South China Morning Post newspaper, which cited unnamed sources.