Hongkongers head to the polls amid grief over deadly tower fire

Residents of Hong Kong are casting their votes in an election widely viewed as a measure of public sentiment following a deadly fire that has left many in the city grieving.

Polls have opened on December 7 across the autonomous Chinese city to select 90 legislators, with only 20 of those seats directly elected. The election marks only the second time since Chinese authorities overhauled the electoral system in 2020 to ensure that only those deemed “patriots” can run for office, as reported by Hong Kong FP.

Due to low enthusiasm and voter participation since the regulation changes, the government has launched a major campaign to encourage residents to select members of the Legislative Council (LegCo), which functions as a mini-parliament with the authority to make and amend laws.

The last poll, held soon after those changes, recorded a record-low turnout of 30 percent, reflecting widespread voter apathy.

Beijing has argued that these election reforms, introduced shortly after the 2019 protests, were necessary to maintain stability in Hong Kong, though critics claim they have undermined democratic processes, a BBC article noted.

To boost participation this year, the government has plastered the city with posters encouraging citizens to vote, while offering incentives such as freebies and shopping discounts. After voting, each person will receive a “thank you card” redeemable for vouchers at selected shops and restaurants, as well as services like beauty treatments, medical check-ups, and insurance premiums.

Authorities are also providing free access to public swimming pools and museums on polling day, hosting neighborhood carnivals, and airing a televised variety show and gala. Cartoon mascots and a theme tune adapted from a 2001 Cantopop hit by Aaron Kwok, called “Let’s Vote, Together We Create The Future,” have been created to promote the election.

However, the festive activities aimed at motivating voters have been largely overshadowed as the city focuses on the November 26 fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which destroyed high-rise residential blocks. The blaze, the deadliest in Hong Kong in over 70 years, has so far claimed 159 lives, a toll likely to rise as officials continue recovering bodies.

In the aftermath, many residents are questioning whether the fire could have been prevented and raising concerns about building safety standards. Political campaigning for the LegCo election was immediately suspended following the tragedy, although government-organized debate forums resumed after a few days.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has insisted that the election proceed as planned, stating, “we must move forward before we can turn our grief into strength.”

Analysts note that historically, most Hongkongers have supported the pan-democratic opposition, which has now been effectively barred from participating under the “patriots only” rules. Previously, LegCo elections were marked by vigorous contests between pro-Beijing and pro-democracy camps, with the latter often securing around 60 percent of the popular vote.

By Nazrin Sadigova