Pro-democracy parties win 27 seats, retain power to block government proposals. New breakaway parties are the real winners, penalising the Democratic Party, which chose to back election reform in 2010 and abandon full universal suffrage.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - Hong Kong's pro-democracy slates won enough seats in recent elections to the Legislative Council (LegCo), to block constitutional changes. The council's members are elected in two distinct colleges, one chosen by the entire electorate, and the other picked by 'great electors' voting on behalf of Beijing and functional constituencies. This time, radical democrats won four seats on the Council.

In view of Beijing's growing interference in local politics, Sunday's vote was an important test, especially after the seats at stake were increased from 60 to 70. LegCo elections are held every four years.

Pro-democracy slates won almost 60 per cent of the vote, but secured 27 seats in the 70-seat LegCo against 43 for pro-Beijing candidates.

Although they were expected to do better, they still managed to reach the "critical minority" threshold of 24 seats to block constitutional changes in the former British colony, which was returned to Chinese fold in 1997.

The vote brought to light divisions within the pro-democracy camp. After the Democratic Party (DP) approved the new election law in 2010, more radical elements broke away to form the Neo Democrats. Others also created the People Power coalition.

The two small groups are the real winners in this election, not only because they won seats but also got more votes in some ridings than established parties like the DP.

For example, Raymond Chan Chi-chuen won a seat in New Territories East where he secured 1,000 more votes than incumbent and DP vice-chairwoman Emily Lau Wai-hing. Now, for Chan, the DP must think deep about what happened in 2010 when it backed the government's election reform, which failed to introduce full universal suffrage.

Since 1997, Hong Kongers have being trying to get Beijing to set up a truly democratic system. The Basic Law adopted under British rule, which was accepted by the mainland, is set to remain in place until 2043. Only then will 'one person, one vote' be implemented.

In fact, the mainland does not want any democratic government on its territory. For this reason, it has imposed a complex system inherited from Britain that includes two separate electoral colleges, one chosen by the people, and the other picked by Beijing and functional constituencies.

In the meantime, universal suffrage has to wait until 2017.

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