Hongkongers are going to the polls this weekend under a cloud of grief and anger. The city is still mourning the deadliest fire it has seen in more than 70 years, which claimed 159 lives in Tai Po last month.
The blaze, which engulfed high-rise residential blocks at Wang Fuk Court, has left residents questioning building safety and the authorities’ preparedness. Many live in ageing high-rise towers similar to those affected.
“I can’t stop thinking about the neighbours we lost,” said Chan Mei-ling, a Tai Po resident. “We deserve answers about how this could have happened.”
Authorities have promised action. An independent committee is being set up to investigate the fire, 13 people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, and unsafe scaffolding mesh found on the buildings has been removed across the city.
But political tension has also risen. Police reportedly detained a man who was petitioning for an independent inquiry, along with a former district councillor and another individual. The petition itself was removed from the internet.
Despite the tragedy, the government has insisted the Legislative Council (LegCo) election proceed as planned. Chief Executive John Lee said last week: “We must move forward before we can turn our grief into strength.” He added that the new legislators would be able to support reconstruction and reforms.
The election is the second since China reshaped Hong Kong’s voting system in 2021, ensuring only “patriots” could run. This year, 161 candidates compete for 90 seats, a slight increase from previous contests. Turnout in the last election hit a record low of 30%, reflecting widespread voter apathy.
The government has launched an unprecedented campaign to encourage voting. Residents are being offered freebies, shopping discounts, free museum and pool entry, and even a thank-you card redeemable for beauty treatments, medical checks, and insurance premiums. Cartoon mascots and a theme tune adapted from a Cantopop hit by Aaron Kwok have also been rolled out.
Chief Secretary Eric Chan said the aim was “to ensure a happy and festive mood” and “let residents recognise the importance of the election.”
Yet, experts doubt these efforts will sway many voters. John P. Burns, emeritus professor at the University of Hong Kong, said: “The fire has shaken confidence. Many Hongkongers have traditionally supported the pan-democratic opposition, which is now barred. They are unlikely to turn out, just as they mostly stayed away in 2021.”
He added that while pro-establishment voters might appreciate the rapid relief efforts for those affected by the fire, others may stay away in protest. “Some will be impressed by how authorities re-housed the homeless and provided aid, which was rapid and relatively generous. But others remain disappointed, even angry, about the governance problems the fire exposed,” he said.
The LegCo election this year also brings a wave of new faces. Around a quarter of incumbent lawmakers are stepping down, many reportedly pressured by Beijing to retire or fall under an unofficial age limit. Among them is Regina Ip, the former security chief nicknamed the “Iron Lady,” who is over 70.
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