Tents are set up at the occupied areas by the pro-democracy protesters outside the government headquarters in Hong Kong’s Admiralty, Oct. 26, 2014.
Last updated on: October 26, 2014 4:02 PM
HONG KONG—As the occupation of Hong Kong by Umbrella Movement protesters nears the end of its first month, student leaders unexpectedly canceled an electronic poll on the future of the pro-democracy movement Sunday, citing differences in objective and a lack of preparation.
The move comes as pro-Beijing factions ramp up their opposition to the occupation.
The Federation of Students, Scholarism and Occupy Central issued a joint statement with pan-democracy legislators and civic groups Sunday, explaining why the vote was canceled.
It was not immediately clear if a vote will be rescheduled.
“We admit we did not have enough discussion with the people before deciding to go ahead with the vote. We apologize to the people,” read a prepared statement from the three organizing groups.
Called to remain on streets
Occupy Central convener Benny Tai joined other protest leaders in bowing to the crowds by way of further apology. He called for the public to remain on the streets.
“This does not mean the end of the movement,” said Tai. “Actually it will provide a good opportunity to come together to discuss what might be the next step.”
The electronic referendum, due to be held Sunday and Monday, was expected to propose two motions on the direction of the Umbrella Movement. In particular, its leaders were seeking a clear mandate to call for constitutional reform in time for the election of the next Hong Kong chief executive in 2017.
Protesters indicated a vote among themselves was unnecessary.
Federation of Students head Alex Chow told VOA their presence in the occupation zones signaled a clear rejection of Beijing’s order that candidates for the 2017 election be pre-approved by a pro-Beijing nominating committee.
“Without removing or agreeing to amend that structure, then there is no room for dialogue to continue,” said Chow.
