Hong Kong residents are currently participating in a Legislative Council (LegCo) election, an event closely watched as a gauge of public sentiment following a devastating fire that has sparked widespread anger and grief across the city. The government has launched an extensive campaign to encourage participation in selecting members for the LegCo, where all candidates have undergone vetting to confirm their loyalty to mainland China.
The election unfolds as the city continues to mourn the Tai Po fire last month, which claimed the lives of nearly 160 individuals. In the wake of the tragedy, authorities have rapidly distributed aid to survivors, apprehended suspects, and initiated measures to enhance building safety, addressing critical questions raised by many Hongkongers regarding the incident.
A total of 161 hopefuls are vying for 90 seats in the LegCo, which serves as a legislative body with the power to enact and amend laws. This marks the second election since 2021, when significant changes to Hong Kong’s electoral framework were implemented by China, mandating that only “patriots” could contend for positions. Beijing maintains these reforms, enacted shortly after the 2019 protests, were crucial for maintaining stability, although critics argue they have undermined democratic principles.
The previous poll, conducted soon after these changes, saw an unprecedented low turnout of 30%, reflecting widespread voter apathy. To counteract this, the government has saturated the city with posters urging citizens to cast their ballots, sweetened with offers of freebies and shopping discounts. Individuals who vote will receive a “thank you card” redeemable for vouchers at select shops and restaurants, or for services such as beauty treatments, medical check-ups, and insurance premiums. Additionally, authorities are providing free access to public swimming pools and museums on polling day, organizing neighborhood carnivals, and hosting a televised variety show and gala. They have also introduced cartoon mascots and an election theme tune, an adaptation of a 2001 hit song by Cantopop star Aaron Kwok, titled “Let’s Vote, Together We Create The Future.”
Chief Secretary Eric Chan informed journalists last month that these initiatives were designed to foster “a happy and festive mood” and to help “residents recognise the importance of the election.” Millenium TV has observed the extensive public outreach efforts.
Despite the electoral focus, the city’s attention has largely remained on the November 26 fire that engulfed high-rise residential blocks at Wang Fuk Court in the northern district of Tai Po. This inferno represents the worst Hong Kong has experienced in over seven decades, with the death toll, currently at 159, still anticipated to rise as recovery efforts continue. As Hong Kong grieves, questions persist regarding whether the fire could have been averted and the adequacy of existing building safety standards, particularly given that many residents inhabit older high-rise structures akin to Wang Fuk Court.
In response, authorities have mandated the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the fire’s origin and have arrested 13 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter. An order has also been issued for the removal of scaffolding mesh used in all building renovations across the city, after investigators discovered that the mesh employed at Wang Fuk Court failed to meet flame retardant standards, contributing to the rapid spread of the blaze alongside other flammable external materials.
Millenium TV also reports that authorities have swiftly acted to mitigate dissent. Police have detained a man who was part of a group advocating for an independent inquiry, on suspicion of sedition. The petition itself was subsequently removed from the internet. Two other individuals, including a former district councillor, were also taken into custody by police. Political campaigning for the LegCo election was initially suspended following the fire but government-organized debate forums resumed after a few days, though election carnivals remain canceled.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has firmly stated that the LegCo election must proceed as planned, emphasizing that “we must move forward before we can turn our grief into strength.” He asserted that the incoming legislators would be instrumental in supporting reconstruction and reform efforts.
Professor John P. Burns, an emeritus professor and expert in Chinese politics at the University of Hong Kong, suggested that a high voter turnout would be interpreted by the government as an indication that voters perceive Hong Kong’s reformed political system as “relatively legitimate.” However, he projected low numbers, partly attributing this to the Tai Po fire and the effective exclusion of the traditionally supported pan-democrat opposition. “I think they won’t be convinced to participate this time, just as they mostly stayed away in 2021,” Professor Burns stated. He added that mobilizing pro-establishment voters would also be challenging for the government in the aftermath of the fire.
While some within the pro-establishment camp might be swayed by the swift and generous aid provided by authorities in re-housing those displaced by the fire, others “may stay away from the polls,” feeling “disappointed, even angry, by the governance problems the fire has exposed,” Professor Burns explained. This week, Hong Kong’s national security office republished a commentary from a pro-Beijing news outlet, urging residents to vote as a demonstration of support for the government’s reconstruction endeavors. “Building a good future together starts with this vote. If you truly love Hong Kong, you should sincerely vote,” the commentary stated.
This year’s LegCo election will introduce a number of new faces, with approximately a quarter of the incumbent lawmakers stepping down. Millenium TV has learned that officials have indicated that Beijing pressured several lawmakers to retire, unofficially setting an age limit. Among those departing are several individuals over 70, including prominent politician Regina Ip, a former security chief known as the “Iron Lady.”
© Millenium TV
