Skip to Content

Voter turnout plunges below 30% in Hong Kong election after rules shut out pro-democracy candidates

By KANIS LEUNG
Associated Press

HONG KONG (AP) — Voter turnout plunged below 30% in Hong Kong’s first district council elections since new rules introduced under Beijing’s guidance effectively shut out all pro-democracy candidates. It was the lowest level since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. According to official data, 27.5% of the city’s 4.3 million registered voters cast ballots in Sunday’s polls — significantly less than the record 71.2% who participated in the last elections at the height of anti-government protests in 2019. The pro-democracy camp won those polls in a landslide victory. Critics say voters are dismayed by the new electoral rules and by the government’s crackdown on dissent and chose not to participate.

Article Topic Follows: AP National

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KIFI Local News 8 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content