HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong opposition lawmakers, seen as representatives of moderate pro-democracy voices in the Chinese-ruled finance hub, are expected to formally tender their resignation on Thursday in protest against the dismissal of four of their colleagues.Their dramatic departure will remove a key avenue for dissent in Hong Kong, where Beijing’s move to introduce national security legislation on June 30 and COVID-19 restrictions have quashed the pro-democracy protests which started last year. The resignations are expected to be handed individually throughout the day at the Legislative Council, or Legco, in what is likely to be the swan song for the old guard of democrats. The younger generation of pro-democracy supporters prefer a more confrontational approach, although it is unclear whether hardline activists would pass authorities’ patriotic scrutiny to be able to challenge in future elections. “I never thought highly of the democrats, but now that they’ve all resigned we don’t even have anyone on our side with voting rights in Legco,” said 21-year-old student Jasmine Yuen on her way to classes. “One year ago I was so angry and I was out there at the protests. But now I’m numb to these events. I lost my passion and fire. I don’t think there’s anything left to do.” The Chinese parliament passed a resolution on Wednesday allowing Hong Kong authorities to expel legislators deemed a threat to national security or not holding allegiance to Hong Kong, without having to go through the courts. Shortly after, the local government announced the disqualification of four assembly members who had previously been barred from running for re-election as authorities deemed their pledge of allegiance to Hong Kong was not sincere.