Hong Kong’s Democratic Party, the city’s largest pro-democracy party, will be absent in the upcoming district council election due to difficulties securing enough nominations under new rules introduced to ensure “patriots administer Hong Kong.” The electoral overhaul has effectively barred many pro-democracy activists from participating in the race. Chief Executive John Lee defended the rules, stating that candidates must convince those from whom they seek nominations. The district council elections were the last major political representative bodies chosen by the public, and the lack of pan-democratic participation highlights the shrinking space for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.