The Hong Kong government will postpone elections due to be held on September 6 by one year due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The number of cases in the city has quickly risen in the last few weeks after falling to zero in June. Health officials have warned about a potential crisis if not brought under control soon.
On Thursday, the government banned 12 pro-democracy candidates from running the Legislative council elections. Opposition activists hoped to get a majority in the elections following protests against Beijing's controversial new security law. Pro-democracy candidates had a major victory in last year's district council elections by securing 17 out of 18 councils.
On Friday, Hong Kong police put six overseas activists on the wanted list under the new security law.
The move comes under intense criticism as other government institutions remain functional, including courts that are prosecuting thousands for last year's protests.
Experts have pointed out that the elections could be postponed by a shorter period and brought in an alternate system like postal or electronic voting.
Written by Anushree Appandairajan
Artwork by Isabel Johns
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