A record number of candidates is set to run in Hong Kong's September legislative elections, which analysts expect will be the fiercest electoral battle ever between pro-China politicians and democracy forces.
Registration closes on Wednesday. By Monday evening, 136 people had already signed up to run, the same number as in the last election in 2000.
For the first time, democracy champions stand a chance of wresting majority control of a legislature dominated by pro-China lawmakers since 1997, when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule.
Voters are frustrated with the ineffectual China-backed government and resentful of Beijing for ruling out full direct elections in the city for many years to come. As a consequence, large numbers of voters are expected to cast their ballots for pro-democracy forces. That is Beijing's worst nightmare because opposition lawmakers could then challenge its central authority.
Sixty seats are up for grabs in the Legislative Council, Hong Kong's top law-making body - 30 directly elected and 30 chosen by largely pro-China professional and business groups.
Pro-democracy lawmakers command 22 seats now, while the pro-China camp has more than 30 seats. To prevent a decisive win by democracy forces, Chinese officials are working behind the scenes to persuade pro-China business and community leaders to run in the polls.
"There is a lot more interest this time, especially in the professional seats. A few new faces have emerged, obviously due to support from Beijing," said political commentator Andy Ho.
Riding a wave of popular support after Beijing last April ruled out universal suffrage soon, pro-democracy forces are expected to make substantial gains in the 30 directly elected seats.