TURNOUT IN SPOTLIGHT
Legislature elections in Hong Kong used to feature boisterous clashes between pro-Beijing and pro-democracy camps, with the latter often winning around 60 per cent of the popular vote.
But in 2020, Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law after the city was roiled by huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests.
Beijing overhauled Hong Kong’s electoral system in 2021 to ensure only “patriots” could hold office, and slashed the number of directly elected seats.
Some pro-democracy lawmakers have been jailed – including as part of a subversion case that concluded last year – while others resigned or fled Hong Kong.
Authorities extended voting times with Sunday’s polls opening at 7.30am, an hour earlier than in the previous election.
The race will once again be devoid of the two largest pro-democracy parties: The Civic Party disbanded in 2023 and the Democratic Party, which is winding down.
Before the fire, authorities had blanketed much of the city in promotional material and extended the operating hours of polling stations.
Trains will also extend services on election day, while some businesses have promised to give employees a half-day off if they head to the polls.
Around a third of the outgoing cohort of lawmakers, including veterans such as Regina Ip and legislature president Andrew Leung, are not seeking another term.
Newcomers include Olympic champion fencer Vivian Kong, who is contesting a seat in the tourism functional constituency – where the winner is determined by industry representatives, not popular vote.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/hong-kong-legislative-polls-turnout-wang-fuk-court-fire-5566041
