Tackling aftermath of deadly Hong Kong blaze among first tasks for new lawmakers
Election turnout rate of 31.9 per cent slightly higher than in 2021, with city leader saying poll will have profound impact on reforms after Tai Po fire
New and younger faces who will fill nearly half of the 90 seats following Hong Kong’s second “patriots-only” Legislative Council election now face the immediate task of tackling the aftermath of the deadly Tai Po inferno, including the policy gaps it exposed and implementing systemic reforms.
Sunday’s poll yielded a 31.9 per cent turnout rate that marked an increase from the record low figure of 30.2 per cent in the 2021 election, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu declaring the outcome to hold profound significance as Hong Kong sought to recover from the blaze that killed at least 159 people.
“[The poll] demonstrates electors’ support for the government’s commitment to recovery and reform following the tragedy and for electing capable and committed Legco members to drive institutional reform,” he said.
“Through initiating debates, promoting the review and updating of legislation, and driving systemic reforms, we will make Hong Kong a safer city where citizens can live with greater peace of mind.”
The new legislature will begin its term on January 1.
The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office said the success of the election and “high voter turnout” signalled a milestone achievement that would further consolidate and develop “high-quality democracy” according to the “one country, two systems” governing principle, Hong Kong’s Basic Law and the realities faced by the city.