Overview
- Official turnout was 31.9%, with about 1.32 million of 4.14 million registered voters casting ballots, edging above 2021’s record low due to a smaller electorate.
- The vote filled 90 Legislative Council seats under rules that vet candidates as “patriots,” with only 20 seats chosen by direct popular vote.
- Chief Executive John Lee pledged a judge-led inquiry into the Wang Fuk Court blaze that killed at least 159 people and said a relief and rebuilding bill will be tabled at the new council’s first meeting.
- Police say at least 15 people tied to renovation work have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, while the anti-corruption agency has detained 11 over calls to boycott or spoil ballots.
- Authorities warned foreign media over coverage and made additional security arrests, cleared a makeshift fire memorial, and recorded the lowest constituency turnout in New Territories East, which includes Tai Po.