Hong Kong Holds Elections Amid Mourning for Victims of Tragic Fire

Sun Dec 07 2025 11:57:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Hong Kong grapples with the aftermath of a devastating fire that claimed nearly 160 lives, residents head to the polls for the Legislative Council election, marking a critical moment in the city's political landscape.

In a poignant backdrop of grief from a catastrophic fire, Hong Kong citizens are participating in the Legislative Council elections, viewed as a reflection of public sentiment. The government is actively promoting participation amid renewed scrutiny of safety regulations. This election sees 161 candidates vying for 90 seats, occurring under a heavily scrutinized electoral system aimed at ensuring compliance with Beijing’s directives.

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.

The election 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 said the changes, which were put in place shortly after the 2019 protests, were necessary to ensure stability in Hong Kong, but critics say they weakened democracy.

The last poll, which took place shortly after those changes, saw its lowest-ever turnout of 30% amid widespread voter apathy.

This year, the government has blanketed the city with posters urging Hongkongers to head to the polls, while dangling freebies and shopping discounts.

After casting their vote, each person will receive a 'thank you card' that could be redeemed for vouchers in selected shops and restaurants, or for beauty services, medical check-ups and insurance policy premiums.

Authorities are also offering free entry to public swimming pools and museums on the polling day, organising carnivals in various neighbourhoods, and holding a televised variety show and gala.

They have also created cartoon mascots and a theme tune for the election, adapted from a 2001 hit song by Cantopop star Aaron Kwok, called 'Let's Vote, Together We Create The Future'.

Hong Kong chief executive John Lee has insisted the LegCo election continue as planned as 'we must move forward before we can turn our grief into strength'.

In recent days the city has been focusing on the 26 November fire that engulfed high-rise residential blocks at Wang Fuk Court in the northern district of Tai Po. The blaze was the worst seen in Hong Kong in more than 70 years.

Authorities have since ordered the creation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of the fire and have arrested 13 people for suspected manslaughter. They have also ordered the removal of scaffolding mesh used in all building renovations across the city.

As political campaigning continued in the wake of the tragedy, some residents expressed disappointment and anger over governance and safety concerns.

This year's LegCo election will feature a number of new faces with about a quarter of the incumbent lawmakers stepping down. Local media have reported that Beijing pressured several lawmakers to retire as they have unofficially set an age limit.