Residents of Hong Kong have turned out in record numbers to vote in the city's elections following six months of violent protests.
Five hours before polling stations closed, government data showed more than 2.3 million people had already voted - a turnout rate of 56 per cent.
This compares with about 1.47 million ballots cast in the previous elections four years ago.
The protests started over a now-withdrawn extradition bill that would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial.
They rapidly evolved into calls for full democracy, posing the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.
Pro-democracy groups have urged members not to cause disruption in the run-up to the election and no trouble has been reported so far.
The voter numbers showed people's determination, said one voter named Tsz, 30, who works in the service industry.
"The high turnout rate...definitely reflects Hong Kong people's hope for genuine universal suffrage," he said.
The record number of voters has been viewed as a test of support for chief executive Carrie Lam.
Casting her ballot, the Beijing-backed Lam pledged that her government would listen "more intensively" to the views of district councils.
"I hope this kind of stability and calm is not only for today's election, but to show that everyone does not want Hong Kong to fall into a chaotic situation again," Lam said.
Ming Lee, 26, who works in event production, said she hoped the higher turnout would benefit the pro-democracy camp that is battling some seats once dominated by pro-Beijing candidates.
"I hope this vote can counter the voice of the pro-establishment, so as to bring in more voices from the democrats," she said.
"The social problems encouraged people to vote and to focus on political issues."
The district councils control some spending and decide issues such as recycling and public health.
A record 1,104 candidates were vying for 452 seats and a record 4.1 million people have enrolled to vote.
If the pro-democracy campaigners gain control, they could secure six seats on Hong Kong's semi-representative Legislative Council and 117 seats on the 1,200-member panel that selects its chief executive.
Jimmy Sham, a candidate for the Civil Human Rights Front, which organised some of the anti-government rallies, said:
"We don't know yet, at the end of the day, if the democrats can win a majority. But I hope our Hong Kong citizens can vote for the future of Hong Kong."
