Hong Kong residents headed to the polls on Sunday for a Legislative Council (LegCo) election taking place under the shadow of a catastrophic fire that killed nearly 160 people. The blaze, which tore through the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po late last month, is the city’s deadliest in more than seven decades and has triggered widespread grief and frustration.
The election is widely seen as a gauge of public sentiment following the tragedy, as well as a test of the government’s push for higher voter turnout. All 161 candidates running for the 90 LegCo seats had been pre-screened under Beijing’s “patriots only” rules introduced in 2021. Authorities have mounted a massive campaign urging residents to vote, offering shopping vouchers, free museum and pool access, and citywide events to create what officials described as a “festive atmosphere”.
But the mood has been subdued since the fire. Questions have emerged over building safety after investigators found that the scaffolding mesh used in renovation works failed to meet flame-retardant standards, accelerating the spread of the blaze.
Thirteen people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, and an independent inquiry has been ordered. Police have also moved to stifle dissent, detaining residents who called for a separate investigation.
The government paused campaigning briefly after the tragedy, cancelling carnivals and outdoor events, though official debate forums later resumed. Chief Executive John Lee said the election must proceed so the new legislature can help with reconstruction and reforms. Analysts, however, expect turnout to remain low, citing both grief from the fire and continuing distrust in the political system after opposition candidates were barred. Despite the sombre atmosphere, authorities continue to urge residents to vote, describing the election as essential to “building a better future together.”
