The China State-Run Global Times Monday Criticized An Unofficial Electronic Referendum Being Sponsored By Hong Kong Oppostion Groups To Demand Beijing Allow Voters To Choose Who Will Run For The Top Government Post Of Chief Executive In 2017, Rather Than A Pro-Government Nominating Committee. The Op-ed Calls The Online Vote, Which Began Friday, An Illegal Farce That Neither The Central Government Nor The Hong Kong Government Will Acknowledge. After The First Three Days Of The Referendum, More Than 700,000 People, About 20% Of Eligible Voters, Had Taken Part In the 10-Day Effort. People Have Been Using Smartphone Apps And A Website To Cast Ballots, With Others Casting More Traditional Ballots At Several Polling Stations. Supporters Of Popvote Hope A High Turnout Will Underscore The Need For Reform. Michael DeGolyer Of Hong Kong Baptist University Told Daybreak Asia's Victor Beattie Authorities Argue The Referendum Goes Against The Basic Law Of Hong Kong.