Carrie Lam, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), appeared in public to vote for the 2019 District Council Ordinary Elections on Sunday.

The elections, held every four years, are in the spotlight this year as escalating violent protests have almost paralyzed the Asian financial hub.

Meeting the press after voting, Lam said the district elections are very important and appealed to the electorate to vote to represent their interests.

"We are facing many challenges, but I am pleased to say that efforts with all parties have been made to ensure the election," Lam said, adding that the HKSAR government will closely monitor relevant developments and make sure the elections are conducted successfully.

A total of 1,090 validly-nominated candidates will compete for 452 seats in 18 districts in the elections. More than 600 polling stations are opened for about 4.13 million registered voters.

Around 9 a.m. local time, former chief executive of the HKSAR Leung Chun-ying arrived at a polling station to cast his ballot. 

Matthew Cheung, chief secretary for the administration of the HKSAR government, said after voting that the election has been carried out peacefully so far and noted that an orderly, fair and honest election is important for restoring Hong Kong.

Cheung added that the government is willing to communicate with residents and appealed to all residents to work together to safeguard the city.