I strongly condemn the government for its political screening and censorship, and for depriving me of my right to stand for election, Mr. Wong said in a statement. He added that the official who made the decision had been relegated to a role as the thought police.

The district council election, which will be held on Nov. 24, is usually fought over local issues, like bus stops and neighborhood beautification. But the race is taking a broader political significance this year. Whichever side wins the most seats will control 117 votes in the 1,200-member election committee that selects the next chief executive, Hong Kong’s top government position.

The pro-democracy camps fears of even wider restrictions on their candidates seeking office have not been realized, as Mr. Wong will most likely be the only candidate barred from the district council race.

Ezra Cheung, Tiffany May and Elaine Yu contributed reporting.