Hong Kong Elections Post-Tai Po Fire: A Reflection of Public Sentiment

Sun Dec 07 2025 22:53:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Hong Kong prepares for its Legislative Council election, the city grapples with the aftermath of a tragic fire that claimed nearly 160 lives, leading to public anger and questions about safety standards.

Hongkongers are heading to the polls in a critical Legislative Council election, overshadowed by the recent deadly Tai Po fire. This election serves as a test of public sentiment, with heightened scrutiny on building safety and governance. The government's extensive campaign aims to boost voter turnout after previous elections saw record low participation. Authorities are also facing public dissent regarding their response to the tragedy, arousing questions about the legitimacy and future of Hong Kong's political landscape.

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

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

The election takes place as many are mourning the Tai Po fire last month which killed nearly 160 people.

In recent days, authorities have distributed aid to survivors, arrested suspects, and sought to improve building safety, as some Hongkongers raise questions about the incident.

A total of 161 candidates are competing for 90 seats in the LegCo, which acts as a mini parliament and can make and amend laws.

The election is the second since 2021 when China made sweeping changes to Hong Kong's electoral system to ensure only patriots could run for seats.

Beijing has said the changes, which were put in place shortly after the 2019 protests, were necessary to ensure stability in Hong Kong, but critics say they weakened democracy.

The last poll, which took place shortly after those changes, saw its lowest-ever turnout of 30% amid widespread voter apathy.

This year, the government has blanketed the city with posters urging Hongkongers to head to the polls, while dangling freebies and shopping discounts.

After casting their vote, each person will receive a thank you card that could be redeemed for vouchers in selected shops and restaurants, or for beauty services, medical check-ups, and insurance policy premiums.

Authorities are also offering free entry to public swimming pools and museums on the polling day, organizing carnivals in various neighbourhoods, and holding a televised variety show and gala.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan told reporters last month that the measures were aimed at ensuring a happy and festive mood and to let residents recognize the importance of the election.

But in recent days the city has been focusing on the 26 November fire that engulfed high-rise residential blocks at Wang Fuk Court in the northern district of Tai Po.

The blaze was the worst seen in Hong Kong in more than 70 years. The death toll, which currently stands at 159, is likely to rise further as officials continue to recover bodies.

Authorities have since ordered the creation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of the fire, and have arrested 13 people for suspected manslaughter.

The political campaigning for the LegCo election was immediately suspended following the fire, though government-organized debate forums resumed after a few days. Carnivals organized for the election campaign have also been cancelled.

Hong Kong chief executive John Lee has insisted the LegCo election continue as planned as we must move forward before we can turn our grief into strength.

This year's LegCo election will showcase new faces, with many incumbent lawmakers stepping down, influenced by Beijing's pressures on retirements.