Near-record low election turnout in Hong Kong amid discontent over apartment fire

The GuardianMonday, December 8, 2025 at 6:33:36 AM
Near-record low election turnout in Hong Kong amid discontent over apartment fire
  • Hong Kong's recent Legislative Council elections, held under a 'patriots only' mandate, saw a turnout of 31.9%, the second-lowest in history, following a devastating fire in Tai Po that claimed at least 159 lives. This election marked a decline in voter participation, with only 1.3 million ballots cast compared to 1.4 million in 2021.
  • The low turnout reflects widespread public discontent, particularly in the wake of the tragic fire, which has raised questions about government accountability and the effectiveness of its response to such crises. The elections were overshadowed by grief and anger among the populace.
  • This situation highlights ongoing tensions in Hong Kong regarding governance and public trust, especially following the electoral reforms that have diminished pro-democracy representation. The aftermath of the fire has intensified scrutiny of the government's handling of safety regulations and emergency responses, further complicating the political landscape.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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