Activist Joshua Wong Chi-fung, the leader of a political group advocating "Hong Kong's independence," was disqualified on Tuesday from running in the 2019 District Council (DC) Ordinary Election of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), scheduled to be held in November.

A press release issued by the HKSAR government on Tuesday said one candidate's nomination was deemed invalid as he failed to comply with relevant electoral laws, but did not name the disqualified candidate. 

Later on, Joshua Wong confirmed on social media that his candidacy had been denied.

In support of the decision made by the returning officer, the statement read, "The HKSAR Government supports the making of decisions on the validity of nomination by the Returning Officers in accordance with the law. The Returning Officers have the duty as well as power to make those decisions according to the relevant electoral laws."

"Upholding the Basic Law is a basic legal duty of a DC member. If a person advocates or promotes self-determination or independence by any means, he or she cannot possibly uphold the Basic Law or fulfill his or her duties as a DC member," the statement read.

"The candidate cannot possibly comply with the requirements of the relevant electoral laws, since advocating or promoting 'self-determination' is contrary to the content of the declaration that the law requires a candidate to make to uphold the Basic Law and pledge allegiance to the HKSAR," said a spokesman of the HKSAR government.

"The HKSAR Government has all along respected and safeguarded the rights enjoyed by Hong Kong residents according to law, including the aforesaid rights to vote and to stand for election. At the same time, the HKSAR Government has a duty to implement and uphold the Basic Law and to ensure that all elections will be conducted in accordance with the Basic Law and relevant electoral laws," the spokesman added.

"There is no question of any political censorship, restriction of the freedom of speech or deprivation of the right to stand for elections as alleged by some members of the community."

(With input from Xinhua)