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Hong Kong: Pro-Democracy Activists Begin Hunger Strike VOA News 27 Feb 2002 10:46 UTC 
Some 20 pro-democracy activists and lawmakers in Hong Kong have begun a hunger strike to protest the certain re-election of the territory's top political leader Tung Chee-hwa.
The protesters say they embarked on a 30-hour hunger strike Wednesday to highlight what they call a "sham" election process.
Mr. Tung is assured of a second five year term as chief executive after securing so much support from an 800-person election committee that no other challengers can get on the ballot.
The formal nomination period ends Thursday, when the government is expected to declare Mr. Tung's uncontested victory.
The committee that elects Hong Kong's top leader is heavily influenced by Beijing, which has already expressed strong support for Mr. Tung.
The Chinese government hand picked Mr. Tung to run the former British colony after it reverted to Chinese rule in 1997.
Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.
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