A former highly respected civil servant known as "Hong Kong's conscience" has emerged victorious in a significant by-election for a seat in the city's legislature, which many view as a test of democracy in the former British colony. Anson Chan, 67, who previously served as deputy to the last British governor Chris Patten, secured the win, marking a positive outcome for the pro-democracy political faction in the city. Following her win, Chan expressed that the results of the election demonstrated the desire of Hong Kong residents for universal suffrage by 2012, emphasizing that true democracy is essential for preserving freedoms, values, and creating a fair and just society. Despite Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule in 1997, the territory has maintained significant autonomy in various aspects, though political reform remains a contentious issue. The city's constitution has a goal of achieving universal suffrage through political reform, but the specifics of when and how are unclear. The British did not prioritize this idea until the end of colonial rule under Patten. Chan had a larger margin of victory over her main competitor, Regina Ip, than expected, despite polls showing a close race recently. According to Ma Ngok, an associate professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, this result indicates that many middle class residents in Hong Kong still value democracy, even as the economy improves and becomes more intertwined with China. Beijing should consider this perspective. Since 1997, the traditional overall support rate of the democratic camp of about 60 percent has decreased. Experts caution that the camp should reconsider its single-issue approach to elections. Chan received approximately 54 percent of the vote. James Sung of City University stated, "This is a crucial time for the pan-democrats to conduct a comprehensive review." Sung also expressed concern that the pan-democratic group may not thoroughly examine the evolving political landscape due to Anson's clear victory. Despite losing, Ip's strong performance once again highlighted the pro-Beijing camp's powerful election machinery, as seen in the district council elections. It also signified the comeback of a politician who is known for attempting to push an unpopular anti-subversion law through the legislature in 2003 as security chief. This move led to a massive protest with half a million people taking to the streets, surprising leaders in Beijing. Analysts believe that Ip, who is 57 years old, is in a good position to participate in the upcoming full Legislative Council elections next year. Currently, the chief executive is chosen by an 800-seat committee influenced by the Communist leadership in Beijing, with half of the legislature being elected by the public and the other half selected by "functional constituencies" representing professions and special interest groups.