End of an era as Hong Kong’s Democratic Party disbands after 31 years

Hong Kong’s Democratic Party, once the city’s largest opposition force, will dissolve following 31 years in operation after most members present at a meeting voted in favour of disbanding, marking the end of an era.

Chairman Lo Kin-hei urged Hongkongers to live with “kindness, honesty, integrity” and expressed faith in the city’s democracy movement.

“If Hong Kong people believe that democracy is the way to go, I believe that they will keep on striving for democracy,” Lo said after Sunday’s general meeting.

Nearly 100 people attended the two-hour meeting, with some representing others by proxy. Of the 121 votes cast, 117 – or 97 per cent – favoured dissolving the party, while four were blank ballots, according to Lo.

He expressed gratitude to residents for their staunch support of the party over the past three decades, calling it the greatest honour to walk “shoulder to shoulder” with Hongkongers.

“We have known success, and we have faced setbacks. Yet, as the times have shifted, we now, with deep regret, must bring this chapter to a close,” Lo said.