Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Hong Kong Legislative Elections Draw 31.9% Turnout After Deadly Fire

Low participation underscores disengagement under a Beijing‑designed, vetting‑heavy system.

Overview

  • Under post‑2021 rules, only 20 of 90 seats are directly elected, with 40 chosen by a largely pro‑Beijing Election Committee and 30 by functional constituencies.
  • Official turnout reached 31.9%, edging past 2021’s record low, despite extended hours, extra polling sites, transport aid and voter‑perk certificates.
  • The vote followed the Wang Fuk Court blaze that killed at least 159 people, muted campaigning and prompted a judge‑led inquiry plus at least 13 detentions tied to the tragedy.
  • The ICAC and police said 11 people were arrested during the period for allegedly urging boycotts or invalid ballots, including four on election day via social‑media posts.
  • Results are expected after counting concludes, with the new LegCo scheduled to convene in January to focus on reconstruction, building‑safety oversight and social support.