Prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has been barred from standing in the upcoming district council election due to his political stance, the Hong Kong government said Tuesday.
A returning officer responsible for vetting candidates in elections has invalidated the 23-year-old's candidacy because his advocacy of self-determination for the former British colony is inconsistent with Hong Kong's legal status, and in breach of China's policies on Hong Kong, the government said.
"I become the only candidate banned from running (in the election)," Wong told reporters. "The decision to ban me from running (for) office is clearly politically driven."
"Although I have reiterated to the returning officer that I have not promoted or urged for including independence as an option of self-determination, the officer still misunderstood my political stance. That only proves it was Beijing who ordered the invalidation," he said.
Candidates standing in elections in Hong Kong are required to declare that they uphold the Basic Law, a mini-constitution for the semi-autonomous Chinese territory, and pledge allegiance to the special administrative region.
The government said in a statement that Wong "cannot possibly comply with the requirements of relevant electoral laws" because advocating self-determination runs counter to the declaration.
It rejected claims the ban amounted to political censorship, restrictions on freedom of speech or deprivation of the right to stand in elections.
Wong, a student leader during the 2014 "Umbrella Movement" protest that called for a democratic electoral reform, has said he does not see Hong Kong's independence as a viable option.
However, Demosisto, the group he helped found, has advocated for Hong Kong people's right to determine their future.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying has branded Wong as an "anti-China separatist" following his meeting with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas last month.
More than 1,000 candidates will be running in the elections for 452 district council seats across the territory. The council functions as an advisory body on government policies and helps build political support for the government.
Related coverage:
Hong Kong gov't formally withdraws bill that sparked protests
China denies report on plans to replace Hong Kong leader Lam
Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong, others arrested
