Overview

• The Democratic Party, Hong Kong's largest and last major pro-democracy party, is preparing for possible dissolution after receiving warnings from Beijing-linked figures.
• Chinese officials and intermediaries reportedly told party members that disbandment should occur before the December legislative elections, threatening arrests and other severe repercussions.
• The party will hold an extraordinary meeting on April 13 to deliberate on granting leadership the mandate to proceed with its disbandment process.
• The move reflects broader political repression following the 2019 protests and the 2020 national security law, which have systematically silenced opposition voices in the city.
• Observers view the party's potential dissolution as a significant blow to Hong Kong’s democratic legacy and international reputation for autonomy and freedoms.