The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region achieved a significant breakthrough in its exploration and development of high-quality democracy with the successful conclusion of Sunday’s Legislative Council (LegCo) election. In the wake of the Tai Po fire, many residents realized that the election is intrinsically linked to their daily lives, and that electing lawmakers who are responsible, committed, and capable is essential for attaining good governance as well as enhancing urban safety.

Voters share a common aspiration: to advance high-level governance through the practice of high-quality democracy. Over 1.3 million voters cast their ballots as a way of expressing their deep and genuine love for the city. Sunday’s election marked another milestone in the development of high-quality democracy, which prioritizes the common interests of society over partisan or ideological pursuits, and which emphasizes “effective democracy” and “orderly democracy”.

The central government has consistently encouraged the SAR to explore a democratic path in line with the reality of Hong Kong under the “one country, two systems” framework. This essentially means a model that embodies “effective democracy” and “orderly democracy”. These two elements saw marked enhancement in Sunday’s election.

First, many voters cast their ballots with a practical and straightforward purpose — to elect candidates who can lead post-disaster reconstruction, reform outdated practices, strengthen safety oversight, and improve housing standards. For many, voting was not an abstract political act but a choice for a more secure and stable life. Having participated in every election since the 1997 handover, I can say this is the first time I have witnessed voters with such clear, specific, and grounded expectations. This reflects the essence of “effective democracy”.

Second, the election process, underpinned by meticulous preparation, proceeded in a smooth and orderly manner. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu deployed comprehensive preparatory work months in advance, with Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, and Electoral Affairs Commission Chairman David Lok ensuring the election was conducted smoothly and orderly. Democracy is not an abstract ideal but a concrete process. The pursuit of effective democracy speaks to the essence of democratic governance, while the realization or practice of democracy must proceed in an orderly manner rather than in a chaotic way to ensure that genuine public opinions and people’s will are reflected in the election outcomes. Sunday’s LegCo election highlighted the defining features of high-quality democracy.

In the past, some people misinterpreted the principle of political neutrality for civil servants, believing that they shouldn’t promote elections and mobilize voters. This notion is absolutely wrong. According to the Civil Service Code, “political neutrality” requires loyalty to the country and the SAR, and prohibits civil servants from delaying or obstructing government policies because of personal political views, or participating in activities that hinder governance. When the SAR government organizes an election, it is entirely appropriate and necessary for civil servants to actively support and participate in the process, including casting a vote in order to lead by example.

Sunday’s election demonstrated another feature of high-quality democracy: broad representation. Candidates came from a wide range of sectors including politics, business, professional groups, and grassroots services organizations; the vast diversity offered voters greater choices.

Many new faces entered the race and won a seat in the new legislature. They are professionals from emerging sectors such as innovation and technology, think tanks, and other fields at the forefront of economic development. With both global visions and local insights, they are well equipped to help Hong Kong integrate into national development strategies like the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), contribute to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Northern Metropolis development.

Voters had genuine choices. Sunday’s election was arguably the most competitive in Hong Kong’s history. Candidates in geographic constituencies increased by 45.7 percent compared to the last election, with more than five candidates vying for two seats in each constituency. In functional constituencies, 60 candidates were competing for 30 seats; and 50 candidates vied for 40 seats in the Election Committee constituency. The electorate was not only presented with genuine options, diverse candidates, and high-caliber talent, but was also empowered to make precise decisions.

The LegCo election exhibited a favorable political environment, suggesting that there is great potential for further development of high-quality democracy in Hong Kong.

Since the handover, Hong Kong has been incorporated into the national governance system. Its model of democracy is distinct from that of the Chinese mainland, and certainly from that of the West. It should not, and must not, be defined by those with ulterior motives. Instead, it must be shaped according to the principles of “one country, two systems”, “patriots administering Hong Kong”, and a high degree of autonomy, and be grounded in local realities.

The author is vice-chairman of the Committee on Liaison with Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and chairman of the Hong Kong New Era Development Thinktank.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.