Rizwan Ullah says voting strengthens civic participation by demonstrating a commitment to Hong Kong’s collective identity and inclusivity

On Sunday, Hong Kong will hold an election for its eighth Legislative Council (LegCo). This is not just another election — it is a defining moment for Hong Kong’s governance, stability, and future development. The question every resident must ask is simple: Have you prepared yourself and done your homework on whom to vote for that day? And equally important: Have you extended your civic duty to spread the message, “Join the election, together we create the future”, within your own circle?

In writing this, I am merely exercising Article 26 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which guarantees permanent residents the right to vote. This provision, outlined in Chapter III, is the cornerstone of democratic participation. Exercising this right is both a privilege and a responsibility, one that shapes the collective destiny of Hong Kong.

Why Your Vote Matters in the Upcoming Election

Hong Kong has endured periods of chaos and uncertainty, but today it stands at a stage of relative stability. This stability must be safeguarded and transformed into sustainable development. The upcoming election is not simply about filling seats in LegCo — it is about shaping the policies that will affect our daily lives; for instance:

• Education: How schools nurture future generations and respond to diverse community needs.
• Housing: Addressing affordability and quality of living.
• Healthcare: Ensuring equitable access and resilience in public health.
• Transport and Infrastructure: Building a city that is efficient, sustainable, and inclusive.

Casting a ballot ensures that your voice is represented in policymaking. It is a powerful way to hold leaders accountable, reinforcing transparency and responsibility in governance. Beyond shaping immediate policies, voting strengthens civic participation by demonstrating a commitment to Hong Kong’s collective identity and inclusivity. For ethnic minority communities, participation is especially critical. Too often, minority voices are overlooked in policymaking. A strong presence at the ballot box ensures that these voices are heard, respected, and considered.

A strong turnout signals that residents are engaged, pointing toward stability and harmony in society. Most importantly, your vote is not just about today — it lays the foundation for tomorrow, influencing long-term development and opportunities for future generations. By participating in the upcoming LegCo election, you contribute to building a more responsive, equitable, and forward-looking Hong Kong.

What have I done so far?

Recognizing the importance of civic participation, with the help of two friends I launched a short-reel campaign to heighten awareness within the ethnic minority (EM) community. We deliberately used mixed code — a blend of languages — to ensure accessibility and inclusivity.

Two of our videos, filmed against the backdrop of the Kowloon Mosque and the Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple, generated remarkable attention. Without any sponsored advertising on Facebook or Instagram, these videos gained over 30,000 views and were shared more than 35 times. More importantly, they inspired community members to create their own videos mirroring our ideas, amplifying the message far beyond our expectations.

We still have two or three videos in the pipeline, but the impact is already visible. By leveraging our community standing, we visited religious places, social gatherings, and workplaces to encourage friends and the elderly to vote. We explained why their vote matters, and the response was encouraging. Previously silent EM members began inquiring about voter registration and visiting district councils to learn more about candidates in their respective geographical constituencies.

This grassroots momentum demonstrates that civic education does not always require grand campaigns. Sometimes, it begins with simple conversations, relatable content, and authentic community engagement.

From silence to engagement

The transformation of silent members into active participants is a powerful reminder that democracy thrives when people feel included. For too long, segments of Hong Kong’s population have remained disengaged, either due to lack of awareness or feelings of marginalization. By breaking these barriers, we not only empower individuals but also enrich the democratic fabric of the city.

The ripple effect of our campaign underscores the importance of peer-to-peer influence. When community members see their peers participating, they are more likely to follow suit. This is how civic duty extends beyond the individual — it becomes a collective movement.

What’s next for us

As the election approaches, the responsibility lies with each of us. Have you prepared yourself? Have you studied the candidates, their platforms, and their track records? More importantly, have you exercised your civic duty to spread the message within your own circle?

My wish is simple: More voters come out and vote. When they do, LegCo members will be compelled to pay closer attention to EM needs proactively. This is how democracy becomes more representative and responsive.

So on Sunday, “Join the election, together we create the future”.

The author is a Kowloon City district councilor and vice principal of Hong Kong Baptist University Affiliated School of Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School and sits on various statutory and advisory boards.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.