Hong Kong returned to the polls on Sunday under a cloud of grief and frustration, as residents weighed their political choices against the trauma of the city’s deadliest fire in decades. For many voters, the Legislative Council elections were less about political alignment and more about choosing leaders who will stand with communities still reeling from tragedy.

A City Still Mourning After Wang Fuk Court Blaze

The blaze that ripped through the Wang Fuk Court housing blocks in late November claimed at least 159 lives, leaving the Tai Po district shaken and forcing election campaigning to halt temporarily. Entire families were displaced. Homes vanished overnight. The city, known for its dense high-rises and efficiency, was suddenly confronted with a collective sense of vulnerability.

For survivors like Ms Poon, whose home was destroyed, the vote carried a personal demand.

“This fire must be properly investigated,” she told AFP near a polling station. “Whoever is responsible must be held accountable.” Her sentiment echoed across northern Hong Kong, where residents continue to navigate temporary shelter, grief and unanswered questions.

Calls For Broader Voices In Government

Voter turnout has long been a hot topic in Hong Kong, especially since Beijing’s 2021 overhaul introduced a “patriots only” rule, drastically reshaping who could run for office. The previous election recorded a record low turnout of 30 percent.

On Sunday, the numbers told a mixed story. Just under a million people voted during daytime, fewer than in previous years, but the turnout percentage edged slightly higher due to a smaller registered voter base.

Some residents felt the tragedy highlighted the need for more diverse representation. Sixty-something resident Kitty Lau, who watched the fire spread from her home, believes the city needs leaders willing to listen to all communities.

“Even voices from the opposition, if they love Hong Kong, should be able to speak,” she said. Her comment subtly touched on a broader discomfort: the absence of major pro-democracy parties, many of which have been dissolved, sidelined or forced into exile in recent years.

Election Day Under Tight Watch

Authorities maintained a visible presence throughout the day. Hong Kong’s anti-corruption watchdog announced at least 11 arrests linked to calls for boycotts or invalid votes. Police also confirmed that more than 15 people from construction companies had been detained in connection with the deadly fire.

In a sign of heightened national security sensitivity, China’s national security agency summoned international media representatives, cautioning them not to “cross the legal red line” in their reporting.

Government Pledges Relief And Reform

Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, urged residents to vote earlier in the day, framing the election as an opportunity to choose representatives committed to rebuilding affected communities.

“Your vote pushes forward reform and helps protect those impacted by the disaster,” he said after casting his ballot.

Lee has already announced an independent judge-led committee to investigate the fire, which spread through seven apartment blocks undergoing renovations. The new legislature is expected to discuss relief funding, resettlement and long-term rebuilding at its first sitting.

For voters like teacher Jacky Lam, who lives in Tai Po, the priority is simple.

“Lawmakers must come into communities, meet people, and listen properly,” he said. “We need resettlement done right.”

A New Political Landscape, A Nervous Public

Hong Kong’s once-vibrant election debates have shifted dramatically. Directly elected seats have dropped to just 20 out of 90, and all 161 candidates were pre-screened by Beijing. Some well-known legislators are stepping aside, making room for new figures like Olympic fencing champion Vivian Kong.

But for many Hong Kongers, the spotlight remains fixed not on the political personalities, but on the question of whether the government will handle the tragedy with transparency and urgency.

A City Caught Between Reform And Grief

The 2025 elections may not reshape Hong Kong’s political landscape overnight, but they have revealed a city searching for reassurance, justice and rebuilding. In the shadow of immense loss, voters stepped into polling stations carrying a shared demand: that the next chapter of Hong Kong’s governance must include transparency, community support and genuine accountability.

And for many still displaced, the real test begins after the ballots are counted.

{Source:EWN}

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