Hong Kong's Elections Amid Mourning for Deadly Fire

Mon Dec 08 2025 13:28:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Residents head to the polls as the city grapples with a tragic fire incident that claimed nearly 160 lives, highlighting safety concerns and stirring public outcry.

In a significant election marked by mourning over a devastating fire in Tai Po, Hong Kong voters turned out for the Legislative Council elections, although participation remains low. Candidates were pre-selected for loyalty to China, while authorities attempted to boost voter turnout with incentives. The recent tragedy has sparked urgent calls for a review of building safety standards, with many citizens questioning governance in the aftermath. Despite the challenges, the Hong Kong government presses on, framing the elections as a step towards renewal and hope.

Hongkongers have voted in an election seen as a test of public sentiment following a deadly fire that angered some in the city.

The government mounted a huge campaign to encourage residents to choose members of the Legislative Council (LegCo). All of the candidates have been vetted to ensure they are loyal to China.

Voter turnout was 31.9%, according to the city's electoral office. The last election in 2021 saw the administrative region's lowest-ever turnout of 30% amid widespread voter apathy.

This election took place as many were mourning a devastating fire in Hong Kong's Tai Po district last month that killed nearly 160 people.

Around 1.3 million voted out of around 4.1 million registered voters in the city, which has a population of more than seven million.

China earlier made sweeping changes to Hong Kong's electoral system to ensure only 'patriots' could run for seats.

Beijing has said the changes were necessary to ensure stability in Hong Kong, but critics say they weakened democracy.

Ahead of the election, authorities distributed aid to survivors of the Tai Po fire, arrested suspects, and sought to improve building safety.

A total of 161 candidates competed for 90 seats in the LegCo, which acts as a mini parliament and can make and amend laws. This year, the government has blanketed the city with posters urging Hongkongers to head to the polls, while dangling freebies and shopping discounts.

Authorities have also created cartoon mascots and a theme tune for the election.

However, in recent days focus has been on the devastating fire that engulfed residential blocks at Wang Fuk Court.

The blaze was the worst seen in Hong Kong in more than 70 years. The death toll currently stands at 159. As Hong Kong mourns, questions about building safety standards are raised.

Authorities quickly took steps towards accountability, forming an independent committee to investigate the cause of the fire and arresting 13 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter.

Political campaigning was immediately suspended following the fire, with the Chief Executive insisting the election continued as planned.

This year's election has featured many new faces, marking a significant shift in impact following Beijing's unofficial age limit for lawmakers.