Hong Kong voter turnout edges up to 31.4% amid anger over deadly fire

Key Highlights

• Candidates are now required to pass a political vetting process to ensure loyalty to Beijing, a move authorities say was necessary to restore stability after the 2019 mass protests. More from World Kremlin endorses Trump’s new security strategy, says it mirrors Russia’s worldview Macron warns China of EU tariffs over widening trade deficitTo boost participation, the government mounted an aggressive get-out-the-vote campaign, added polling locations, extended voting hours and organised candidate forums.
• Still, public frustration over official accountability in a deadly apartment fire that killed at least 159 people last month weighed heavily on voter sentiment.
• Ultimately, turnout ticked up modestly from 2021.“I’m performing my civic duty as a citizen to vote … but I’m not too certain which candidate is hardworking and which is not,” said retiree Kwan Lam outside a polling station.
• “I chose the one who cares for the elderly.”Quick ReadsView AllDid a lab leak set off Spain’s African Swine Fever outbreak?Netanyahu says Israel set to enter second phase of Gaza truce ‘shortly’Ahead of the election, Chinese officials held an unusual meeting with foreign media to remind them of their obligation to comply with Hong Kong’s national security laws. Deadly blaze stalled get-out-the-vote effortsElection campaigning was suspended after the fire and remained subdued in the final days out of respect for the victims. Government efforts to drive up turnout, seen as a referendum on the new electoral system, had been in full swing before the blaze.
• Promotional banners and posters were hung throughout the city and subsidies offered to centers for older people and people with disabilities to help them vote. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADAuthorities arrested people who allegedly posted content that incited others not to vote or cast invalid votes. Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades has raised questions over government oversight and suspected bid-rigging in building maintenance projects.