Hong Kong went to the polls on Sunday (Dec 7) in its second Legislative Council election under Beijing’s “patriots only” framework, a vote unfolding under the shadow of a catastrophic blaze that claimed at least 159 lives and left the city in mourning. The tragedy has reshaped the tone of the campaign, muted political messaging, and intensified scrutiny on governance just as authorities push to revive public confidence in the overhauled electoral system.
The polls opened at 7.30am — an hour earlier than in the previous election — as officials sought to boost turnout after the historic low of 30 percent recorded under the revamped system in 2021. By noon, turnout stood at 10.33 percent, slightly higher than the 9.35 percent registered at the same time during the last vote.
Chief Executive John Lee reiterated repeated appeals for citizens to cast their ballots, framing voting as both a civic duty and a symbolic act of solidarity with those affected by the recent disaster.
“Your vote represents a vote that pushes forward reform, and a vote to protect those affected by the disaster,” Lee told reporters after casting his ballot.
The abrupt shift in public sentiment began on November 28, when a fire engulfed seven apartment blocks at Wang Fuk Court in northern Hong Kong. The complex, under renovation at the time, was quickly consumed by flames in what has become the city’s deadliest fire in decades. Entire families were trapped, hundreds were injured, and the extent of the devastation has triggered profound public anger and grief.
Political campaigning was suspended citywide in the aftermath. The government has promised immediate relief measures and pledged to introduce a comprehensive rebuilding bill at the first session of the new Legislative Council.
Residents near the disaster zone arrived at polling stations carrying both emotional weight and pointed expectations.
A woman surnamed Poon, who lost her home in the blaze, said she believed the government acted promptly but insisted the disaster must be “thoroughly investigated”. Speaking outside the nearest polling station, she added: “Whoever is at fault must be held responsible… The next lawmakers should monitor the government.”
Jacky Lam, a 56-year-old teacher living in Tai Po, said his foremost concern is proper resettlement for displaced residents. “(Lawmakers) ought to regularly meet with residents and collect their views,” he said.
Authorities have arrested at least 15 individuals from various construction companies on suspicion of manslaughter as investigators probe safety lapses tied to the renovation project. Police have also detained at least three people for alleged sedition in the fire’s aftermath, including 24-year-old student Miles Kwan, who distributed flyers urging government accountability. He was later seen leaving a police station.
Hong Kong’s legislature once served as the city’s primary arena for fierce political contestation, with pro-democracy parties often capturing around 60 percent of the popular vote. That era ended in 2020 when Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law following months of mass protests.
A year later, Beijing reengineered Hong Kong’s electoral system to ensure only “patriots” could hold public office, dramatically reducing the number of directly elected seats. Many prominent pro-democracy lawmakers are now jailed, facing charges in national security cases, while others have resigned or gone into exile. The Civic Party disbanded in 2023, and the Democratic Party has largely wound down, leaving the current race devoid of the city’s two largest opposition forces.
Despite the subdued political atmosphere, Sunday’s vote features several new faces, including Olympic gold-medal fencer Vivian Kong, who is contesting the tourism functional constituency — a seat chosen by industry representatives rather than the general public.
To encourage turnout, authorities extended the operating hours of polling stations, lengthened train services, and partnered with businesses that offered employees half-day leave to vote. The outgoing Legislative Council will see significant turnover, with about one-third of its members — including veteran figures such as Regina Ip and council president Andrew Leung — not standing for re-election.
As ballots were cast, Hong Kong found itself balancing grief and governance. The election, though tightly controlled, marks a pivotal moment for a city grappling with deep questions of public trust — and the aftermath of a tragedy that has shaken it to its core.
