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Hong Kong's Democratic Party Takes Steps Toward Potential Dissolution

The city's largest pro-democracy party cites a challenging political environment as it begins the process of deciding whether to disband after 30 years.

Lo Kin-hei, chairperson of Hong Kong's Democratic Party, seated, second from right, attends a press conference held at the office of Hong Kong's Democratic Party In Hong Kong on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Kanis Leung)
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The logo of the Democratic Party is seen in its office, in Hong Kong, China September 26, 2021. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu/File Photo
The logo of Hong Kong's Democratic Party, which has announced plans to dissolve, is seen in its office in Hong Kong

Overview

  • The Democratic Party's leadership has established a task force to explore the legal procedures for dissolving the organization, with a final vote to be held by its 400 members.
  • Party Chairman Lo Kin-hei stated that the decision reflects the current political landscape but emphasized that financial constraints were not a driving factor.
  • Founded in 1994, the Democratic Party has been a key pro-democracy force in Hong Kong but has faced growing marginalization under Beijing's national security law and electoral reforms.
  • Several prominent party members have been jailed or exiled under the national security law, which has been widely criticized by international governments for stifling dissent.
  • The party's potential dissolution follows the disbanding of other civil society groups and pro-democracy organizations in Hong Kong in recent years.