Hong Kong (CNN) One of Hong Kong's most prominent pro-democracy activists has been barred from running in upcoming district council elections, as anti-government protests continue to rock the semi-autonomous Chinese city.

Joshua Wong, who helped lead massive pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong in 2014, became the only candidate banned from running in the November poll. Previously candidates have been barred from elections to the city's parliament , but not district councils, which handle local affairs.

In a letter, the returning officer supervising Wong's election said he had not abandoned the belief that independence could be an option for Hong Kong's future. This would be in violation Hong Kong's de facto constitution, which states that the city is an inalienable part of China.

Speaking at a press conference Tuesday, Wong said the decision "is clearly politically driven."

"I do not propose separatism as an option in the self-determination," Wong said. "The returning officer has falsely interpreted my political stance."

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