A former high-ranking government official known as "Hong Kong's conscience" has won a significant by-election for a seat in the city's legislature, which is considered a crucial vote on democracy in the former British colony. Anson Chan, who previously served as deputy to the last British governor Chris Patten, emerged victorious in the election, providing a boost to the city's pro-democracy political faction following a defeat in district council polls last month. Chan, 67, expressed her belief that the election results demonstrated the desire of Hong Kong residents for universal suffrage by 2012, the year of the next election for the city's leader. She emphasized the importance of genuine democracy in safeguarding freedoms, values, and creating a more compassionate and fair society. Despite enjoying significant autonomy in various areas since being handed back to China by Britain in 1997, Hong Kong has not seen progress in political reform. The city's constitution has universal suffrage as the main goal of political reform, but lacks clarity on when and how it will be implemented. The British did not prioritize this idea until the end of colonial rule under Patten. Chan's victory margin over her rival, Regina Ip, was larger than expected despite polls showing a close race. According to Ma Ngok, an associate professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, middle class residents in Hong Kong still value democracy, even as the economy improves and the city becomes more reliant on China. This is a point that Beijing should consider. Since 1997, the democratic camp's usual support rate of approximately 60 percent has decreased, prompting experts to suggest that they reassess their focus on single-issue campaigning. Chan secured 54 percent of the vote, leading James Sung of City University to urge the pan-democrats to reevaluate their strategy. Sung expressed concern that despite Anson's clear victory, the pan-democratic group may not adequately adapt to the evolving political landscape. Ip's impressive performance, supported by the pro-Beijing camp's formidable election machinery, further highlighted the need for the democratic camp to reconsider their approach. It also signaled the comeback of a politician known for attempting to pass a controversial anti-subversion law in 2003 as security chief. This move led to a massive protest with half a million participants, surprising leaders in Beijing. Analysts believe that Ip, aged 57, is in a good position to run in the upcoming full Legislative Council elections next year. Currently, the chief executive is chosen by an 800-seat committee under Beijing's influence, with half of the legislature being elected by the public and the other half selected by "functional constituencies" representing specific professions and interest groups.