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Hong Kong Votes in Patriots-Only LegCo Election After Deadly Wang Fuk Court Fire

Turnout will test the government's standing under Beijing's 'patriots-only' rules during a citywide reckoning over the Wang Fuk Court tragedy.

Overview

  • Polls opened Sunday to fill 90 Legislative Council seats, with only 20 chosen by direct vote under the 2021 overhaul.
  • About 4.1 million eligible voters are choosing among 161 government‑vetted candidates who will serve four‑year terms.
  • Chief Executive John Lee urged residents to vote, saying ballots support reform and pledging to introduce a relief and reconstruction bill at the new council’s first meeting.
  • Campaigning paused for roughly a week after the late‑November blaze and has remained subdued as authorities continue criminal and anti‑corruption investigations.
  • Police arrested 15 construction personnel on suspicion of manslaughter, a judge‑led inquiry has been announced, and separate arrests were reported for sedition and allegedly inciting others not to vote.