A “no” vote

“YOUR vote,” ran the government slogan, apparently without irony, “makes all the difference.” Hong Kong people did not buy it. Only 44% of eligible voters cast their ballot in elections for the territory's Legislative Council (Legco) on September 10th. Of that low number, well over half voted for pro-democracy candidates, broadly defined. Yet rigged electoral rules ensure that these will be in a minority in the new Legco, and that a pro-Beijing majority can always be counted on by the administration of Tung Chee-hwa. All the same, the low turnout is an embarrassment for Mr Tung, whose dismal performance in office has brought on deep dissatisfaction.