Shares in Asia were higher on Monday, as investors reacted to Hong Kong's district council elections amid months of civil unrest in the city.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index led gains among major markets regionally as it jumped 1.5% to close at 26,993.04, with shares of life insurer AIA surging 3.62%. The moves came after pro-democracy candidates surged to a landslide victory following a record voter turnout, Reuters reported.

That comes following months of civil unrest that have rocked the city and periodically degenerated into violence.

One analyst said the development was a "stunning victory" for pro-democracy candidates.

"I don't think anyone expected this," Fraser Howie, an independent analyst, told CNBC's "Street Signs" on Monday. "Here is a very clear sign, three million Hong Kongers came out in a very orderly fashion, made their votes and sent a very clear signal to the establishment."

"The message has been sent across the board, across almost every … constituency, is that there is great distrust and frustration with the government and with (Hong Kong Chief Executive) Carrie Lam," Howie said.

Mainland Chinese stocks were mixed on the day. The Shanghai composite rose 0.72% to around 2,906.17, while the Shenzhen component was just below the flatline at 9,626.36. The Shenzhen composite also shed 0.439% to approximately 1,600.45.