In Hong Kong Elections, Big Defeat For Elites Pressures Beijing To Rethink Approach

HONG KONG — Election posters promoting the candidate for Mongkok North left no doubt about his affiliations: wearing all black clothing, a yellow hard hat, respirator and goggles, he was firmly aligned with protesters seeking full democracy.

“Five demands, not one less,” read the banner, the mantra of the grass-roots uprising countering China’s tightening grip on Hong Kong.