The 2025 Legislative Council (LegCo) election carries profound significance at a pivotal moment in Hong Kong’s political development. Every eligible Hong Kong resident must acknowledge both their civic obligation and their right to take part in this democratic process. Residents can influence the course of their communities and the city by casting a ballot. This is the second LegCo election to be formed under the “patriots-only” principle and offers a chance to uphold constitutional order, address public concerns and ensure recovery from the disastrous fire in Tai Po last month.
Like the seventh-term election, the 2025 LegCo election for the eighth-term LegCo will be held under the new electoral system implemented in 2021, when reforms facilitated the expansion of LegCo members to 90, with 20 to be elected directly by voters in geographical constituencies, 30 to be elected from functional constituencies representing various professional and industrial sectors, and a substantial 40 to be selected by the Election Committee. The goal of this model was to promote unity, stability and patriotism in governance. Elections held before the 2021 electoral overhaul were often overshadowed by social unrest or political wrangling. This year’s election involves more than 160 qualified candidates committed to patriotic service, with a notable 51 competing for geographical constituency seats — a 40 percent increase on the 2021 number — signifying a competitive and inclusive election environment.
Despite such challenges as the deadly Tai Po fire, which killed 159, injured 79 and left another 31 missing, with blame attributed to faulty alarms and flammable materials, the authorities remain undeterred in proceeding with the polls on schedule. This move also shows the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government’s commitment to upholding the constitutional order and social stability. A postponed election often suggests instability, and many years ago, it invited outside interference. Candidate forums have reopened, placing an emphasis on supporting victims and pushing recovery efforts, supported by more than HK$2.4 billion ($308 million) in relief funds. These debates are not a pro forma exercise but significant opportunities at which candidates promise to take timely measures to probe the causes of the fire, reconstruct the affected community and push for enhanced fire safety regulations.
When Hong Kong residents vote in geographical constituencies, they have a direct say over representatives to tackle pressing neighborhood issues such as housing, public safety and social services, which have become all the more urgent since the Tai Po tragedy. By enabling professionals in industries like business, education, healthcare and engineering to choose lawmakers who bring sector-specific knowledge to policy-making, functional constituency votes further integrate local interests with more general economic development. A complete democratic process that represents all facets of Hong Kong society is ensured by this unique electoral system.
Youth participation has always been lower compared to that of older groups; historically, the voter turnout rates have varied. The 2021 LegCo election had youth turnout hovering between 30 and 40 percent, while the general turnout was around 50 to 60 percent. However, 2025 presents a critical juncture, galvanized by the urgent follow-up work on the Tai Po fire. Young people are likely to become more involved and mobilized as they are more eager to return legislators who they believe will be better equipped to address issues related to livelihoods and citywide safety.
Incumbent veterans continue to play an indispensable role this election cycle. About 60 percent of incumbents have stood for reelection, assuming important continuities in experience and knowledge necessary to undertake complex legislative tasks. Simultaneously, about 40 percent of incumbents have retired — most of them over the age of 70 — and have made way for newcomers. The entry of new and young candidates promises a rejuvenated legislature that can tackle modern challenges with renewed vigor. Candidates from diverse professional and social backgrounds bring energy and enthusiasm to LegCo, which is entrusted with the task of guiding Hong Kong through sustainable development and social cohesion. According to the LegCo’s president, Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, the competitiveness in this race promises a rational, “strife-free” legislative term devoted to public service rather than partisan conflicts.
And, vitally, these fresh legislators must come forward with actual, detailed policy initiatives beyond the general election promises. After what has happened, the public is demanding plans for fire safety reforms, mechanisms for responding to disasters, and youth employment that can actually be implemented. This should not only be a question of raising standards but also of closing the gap between government and residents through open communication and mutual trust. Hong Kong people, in particular young voters, will be looking very closely at the candidates’ ability to turn campaign promises into tangible improvements in daily life.
Business leaders and industry chambers have endorsed the LegCo election, recognizing its role in the shaping of a high-quality democracy that underpins economic resilience and social stability. They encouraged voter participation across sectors, underlining that the business community’s responsibility, like that of any individual resident, is to contribute through voting to the good governance of Hong Kong.
In sum, the 2025 LegCo election is more than an electoral contest. It represents a decisive moment to reinforce Hong Kong’s democracy, recover from the fire tragedy and energize civic participation. That the election is to be held as scheduled shows the leadership’s determination toward orderly governance and social stability. Every vote apportions the composition of the legislature to a task of legislation in the public interest.
It is time for Hong Kong residents to seize this opportunity and reaffirm their civic duty. Voting in this election is not an act of exercising political rights; rather, it is a commitment to join hands in the collective quest for building a safer, stronger and more prosperous Hong Kong. As a longstanding resident and voter, I call upon all registered voters to come forward and make their voice heard on Sunday. Active participation, responsible choice and united progress toward common goals will decide the future of our city.
Hong Kong’s future is a shared responsibility. On Sunday, let us exercise our right to vote and take an active role in shaping the city we call home.
The author is a Hong Kong-based writer, public advocate, public affairs commentator, and a secondary school teacher.The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
