Declaration of war as Hong Kong’s newly elected lawmakers plunge opening session into chaos

Protest banners, questions of nationality and modified oaths signal a turbulent start to the new term

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Lawmakers clash during the Legislative Council’s presidential election session, in just one of many angry exchanges at yesterday’s meeting. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 11:45pm, 12 Oct 2016Updated: 12:48pm, 13 Oct 2016

Hong Kong’s newly elected legislature descended into chaos and open war on Wednesday with localists brandishing “Hong Kong is not China” protest banners at their swearing-in ceremony while a pro-establishment stalwart was elected president after being taken to task over his British nationality.

Three localist and pan-democratic lawmakers’ oaths were declared invalid after they modified the words and insulted China, plunging the Legislative Council into uncertainty and setting the stage for political acrimony that threatens the elected body that keeps a check on the city’s government with unprecedented paralysis.

Wednesday’s chaos signalled a tumultuous four-year term ahead for the new Legco, and the prospect of frequent clashes with the government, while the new president, with his credibility under attack, looked set to struggle to control localist lawmakers openly challenging China’s sovereignty over Hong Kong.

The drama began with the oath-taking session of the 70 lawmakers turning into a platform for some of them to trumpet their aspirations, ranging from sustainable development to self-determination for the city.

Watch: three Hong Kong lawmakers have their oaths rejected