Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Hong Kong Legislative Election Posts 31% Turnout Under ‘Patriots‑Only’ System

A slight uptick from 2021 pointed to limited public buy‑in during ongoing probes into the Tai Po blaze.

Overview

  • Election authorities reported turnout at about 31.4% an hour before polls closed, edging past 2021’s record low of 30.2% but far below pre‑overhaul levels.
  • The New Territories North East constituency, which includes Tai Po and the fire‑hit Wang Fuk Court, logged the city’s lowest local turnout at roughly 29.7%.
  • The vote was held under rules introduced in 2021 that vet candidates for loyalty to Beijing and leave only 20 of 90 seats directly elected.
  • Chief Executive John Lee pledged a judge‑led inquiry, immediate relief measures and rapid legislative action, including a proposed citywide smoking ban at construction sites.
  • Police and the ICAC reported arrests tied to the disaster and election controls, including manslaughter suspects from construction firms, detentions for alleged sedition and cases over calls to boycott voting.