On December 7, residents of Hong Kong turned out in force for the eighth-term Legislative Council election, casting ballots at a 31.9% rate despite the sombre mood after the city's worst fire in nearly 80 years. More than 1.3 million voters made their voices heard, underscoring a shared commitment to community welfare and recovery.
David Lok Kai-hong, chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, welcomed the turnout as a sign of resilience. Holding elections so soon after the devastating blaze was challenging, he noted, but the vote marked the first step toward normality. He expressed hope that the polls would unleash "positive energy" to help the city rebuild.
This year's race was the second conducted under the patriots administering Hong Kong system adopted in 2021. A record 161 candidates competed for 90 seats, including many independents with unique platforms. While policy views varied, winners united around a life-first approach, pledging to prioritise safety and support for affected residents.
Shortly after polls closed, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu pledged close collaboration with the new legislators to support fire victims and drive institutional reforms. He plans motions to expand relief measures and introduce a ban on smoking at all construction sites — part of a broader push to enhance public safety.
As Hong Kong embarks on this new chapter, the election signals a clear mandate: people's welfare must come first. The incoming council faces the task of turning voter energy into concrete recovery projects, setting a potential example for post-crisis governance worldwide.
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LegCo election highlights significance of people's welfare after fire
cgtn.com
