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5mo ago

Hong Kong’s Democratic Party Votes to Dissolve Under Beijing Pressure

Around 90% of the party’s members have authorized a committee to begin legal disbandment after direct warnings from Chinese officials to disband or face consequences.

Democratic Party's anti-goods and services tax (GST) protest march from Southorn Playground in Wan Chai to Central Government Offices, in Hong Kong, on August 20, 2006.
Democratic Party candidates for legislative elections show thank-you messages outside the legislature in Hong Kong on September 17, 2004.
Democratic Party lawmaker Roy Kwong Chun-yu addresses crowds at a protest in Hong Kong on June 16, 2019.

Overview

  • The Democratic Party, Hong Kong's oldest pro-democracy group, has initiated the formal process of dissolution after over 30 years of operation.
  • The decision follows warnings from Chinese government officials that the party must disband or face severe repercussions.
  • Approximately 90% of the party's 110 members voted to delegate authority to a committee to oversee the disbandment process, as confirmed by party chairman Lo Kin-hei.
  • The move reflects Beijing's broader crackdown on dissent, including the imposition of a national security law in 2020 and electoral reforms in 2021 that exclude opposition candidates.
  • The dissolution marks the symbolic end of Hong Kong’s longest-standing pro-democracy institution, further eroding political freedoms in the city.