Hongkongers are voting in an election seen as a test of public sentiment following a deadly fire that angered some in the city.
The government has mounted a huge campaign to encourage Hongkongers to choose members of the Legislative Council (LegCo). All of the candidates have been vetted to ensure they are loyal to China.
The election takes place as many are mourning the Tai Po fire last month which killed nearly 160 people.
In recent days, authorities have distributed aid to survivors, arrested suspects, and sought to improve building safety, as some Hongkongers raise questions about the incident.
A total of 161 candidates are competing for 90 seats in the LegCo, which acts as a mini parliament and can make and amend laws.
This year’s election is significant as it is the second since 2021 when China made sweeping changes to Hong Kong's electoral system to ensure only 'patriots' could run for seats. Beijing has argued that these changes were necessary for stability, though critics contend they have weakened democracy.
The last election saw the lowest-ever turnout of 30% amid widespread apathy, and this year the government is using various incentives to encourage participation, including shopping discounts and free entry to public facilities.
Political campaigning had been put on hold following the disaster, but the chief executive insisted that the election must proceed to facilitate reconstruction efforts.
As questions persist about building safety and the fire's preventability, the government's push for voter turnout may face challenges, reflected in both the rising public unrest and the emotional weight of the tragedy.
Authorities have also established an independent committee to investigate the fire and arrested 13 suspects for manslaughter, as the city continues to grapple with its grief and the implications for safety in high-rise buildings.
The government has mounted a huge campaign to encourage Hongkongers to choose members of the Legislative Council (LegCo). All of the candidates have been vetted to ensure they are loyal to China.
The election takes place as many are mourning the Tai Po fire last month which killed nearly 160 people.
In recent days, authorities have distributed aid to survivors, arrested suspects, and sought to improve building safety, as some Hongkongers raise questions about the incident.
A total of 161 candidates are competing for 90 seats in the LegCo, which acts as a mini parliament and can make and amend laws.
This year’s election is significant as it is the second since 2021 when China made sweeping changes to Hong Kong's electoral system to ensure only 'patriots' could run for seats. Beijing has argued that these changes were necessary for stability, though critics contend they have weakened democracy.
The last election saw the lowest-ever turnout of 30% amid widespread apathy, and this year the government is using various incentives to encourage participation, including shopping discounts and free entry to public facilities.
Political campaigning had been put on hold following the disaster, but the chief executive insisted that the election must proceed to facilitate reconstruction efforts.
As questions persist about building safety and the fire's preventability, the government's push for voter turnout may face challenges, reflected in both the rising public unrest and the emotional weight of the tragedy.
Authorities have also established an independent committee to investigate the fire and arrested 13 suspects for manslaughter, as the city continues to grapple with its grief and the implications for safety in high-rise buildings.
