A well-respected former government official known as "Hong Kong's conscience" has emerged victorious in a significant by-election for a seat in the city's legislature. This election is widely viewed as a test of democracy in the former British territory. Anson Chan, who previously served as deputy to the last British governor, Chris Patten, won the election, bringing good news to the city's pro-democracy political groups. This victory follows a recent defeat for pro-democracy forces in district council polls. Chan, 67, expressed her belief that the election results show Hong Kong residents desire universal suffrage by 2012. She emphasized the importance of genuine democracy in protecting freedoms, values, and creating a more just society. Since the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, the territory has enjoyed significant autonomy in many aspects, but political reform remains a contentious issue. The city's constitution aims for universal suffrage as the main goal of political reform, but lacks clarity on when and how this will be achieved. The British did not prioritize this idea until the end of colonial rule under Patten. Chan received a larger margin of victory over her main competitor, Regina Ip, than expected, despite recent polls showing a narrowing gap. According to Ma Ngok, an associate professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, this outcome suggests that many middle class residents in Hong Kong still value democracy, even as the economy improves and becomes more linked to China. Beijing should consider this perspective. Since 1997, the traditional overall support rate of the democratic camp, which has been about 60 percent, has decreased. Some experts suggest that the democratic camp needs to reconsider its single-issue approach to elections. Chan received 54 percent of the vote. James Sung from City University stated that it is time for the pan-democrats to conduct a comprehensive review, although he is doubtful that they will do so given Anson's clear victory. Despite her loss, Ip's strong performance highlighted the pro-Beijing camp's powerful election machinery that supported her, as was also evident in the district council elections. It also signaled the comeback of a politician who is known for attempting to pass an unpopular anti-subversion law as security chief in 2003. This move led to a massive protest with half a million participants, surprising leaders in Beijing. Analysts believe that Ip, who is 57 years old, is in a good position to run in the upcoming full Legislative Council elections. Currently, the chief executive is chosen by an 800-seat committee under the control of the Communist leadership in Beijing, with half of the legislature being elected by the public and the other half selected by "functional constituencies" representing various professions and special-interest groups.