The eighth Legislative Council (LegCo) election of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, held on Sunday, carried meaning beyond the routine renewal of the legislature. It took place as Hong Kong continued to absorb the shock of the Tai Po fire tragedy. It offered an opportunity for the public to express its desire for stability, competence, and direction. The outcomes also bear the weight of recent events, as the voters’ verdict may shape how the SAR confronts the lessons of the Tai Po disaster while advancing its long-term development goals.

Under the Basic Law, LegCo’s functions are to enact, amend or repeal laws; approve taxation and public expenditures; and raise questions on the work of the government; as well as to receive and handle complaints from Hong Kong residents.

As I mentioned in some of my previous articles, a functional legislature can significantly contribute to Hong Kong’s prosperity and well-being by enacting the necessary bills and budgets.

This is the second election under the new electoral system introduced in 2021, after which LegCo was expanded from 70 to 90 seats, with 20 of those seats allocated for geographical constituencies directly elected by residents in those areas.

In the aftermath of the Tai Po fire, the sense of unity was visible not only in the courage of the emergency responders and volunteers but also in the solidarity of ordinary residents. People came together to support each other and to insist that accountability, compassion and improvement must guide the city forward. The establishment of a judge-led independent committee to review the tragedy was an initial step to allow the city to move forward. The elections held on Sunday were framed by that same expectation. Voters wanted to see a legislature ready to respond to the needs of a community recovering from trauma while still eager to move ahead with ambition.

In any case, democratic processes take different forms in different societies, but they serve a similar purpose when they allow a community to voice its expectations and to reinforce political structures through participation. Hong Kong has its own institutional framework, shaped by history, the Basic Law, and the principle of “one country, two systems”. This framework is distinct from Western democracies, yet the act of constructive participation carries value everywhere. What matters most is whether governance is improved, whether policies respond to public needs and whether the political structure fosters stability and progress.

The turnout was higher than in the previous elections in 2021, reflecting a desire to contribute to the evolution of that framework.

Hong Kong has reached a moment when shared objectives matter more than ideological divisions. Sunday’s elections reaffirmed the community’s desire for continuity, stability, and a strong partnership between the executive and the legislature. These qualities are especially vital now, as the city stands on the threshold of several transformative opportunities.

Hong Kong aims to become a world-class innovation hub. This ambition has been articulated repeatedly in the past few years. The growth of the innovation and technology sector, the emergence of the Northern Metropolis as a strategic development zone, and the recently unveiled Fintech 2030 blueprint all fit into a wider narrative of economic diversification and technological leadership. For this narrative to become reality, policymakers must maintain a stable environment, attract global talent, encourage cross-border collaboration, and nurture local research capabilities. The new LegCo will play a central role in shaping the regulatory, financial and educational landscape that supports this transition.

Public sentiment after the Tai Po tragedy also creates a new expectation that safety, urban planning and regulatory oversight will receive greater attention. Innovation requires trust, and trust is strengthened when institutions demonstrate that they protect lives and are prepared to examine their own shortcomings. The independent inquiry into the fire is a crucial step, and voters will expect the new LegCo to support the potential reforms, which may include building safety reviews, upgraded emergency response standards, and more transparent compliance frameworks for property management. A safe city is better positioned to attract global talent and international investors, who look closely at the quality of governance when deciding where to relocate or expand.

The SAR’s accelerating integration with national development is also a major source of strength. The city now is embracing opportunities arising from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development, and, by playing a proactive part in China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) — and soon also the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) — the SAR is unleashing its potential thanks to unreserved support from the central authorities for advancing key strategies to upgrade its superconnector role, including the digital yuan and environmental, social and governance.

Hong Kong’s stature as one of the world’s leading financial centers is reinforced not only by its economic weight, but also by its strategic location, its ability to attract talent, and its industrious, well-educated population. Its unique position as both part of the nation and as an international city makes it an essential gateway for global businesses seeking access to the Chinese mainland market.

In recent years, one of Hong Kong’s defining qualities has been its resilience. The city has endured a pandemic, economic disruptions, social challenges, and the recent fire tragedy. In each instance, the community has found the strength to recover and move forward. Holding elections at such a time serves as a powerful reminder that civic participation continues, institutions remain functional, and the public still believes in shaping its own future. The trials of recent weeks have tested Hong Kong’s spirit, yet that spirit endures — strong, focused, and forward-looking. The SAR now stands ready to move ahead with confidence and unity, turning adversity into purpose and potential into achievement.

The author is a fintech adviser, a researcher and a former business analyst for a Hong Kong publicly listed company.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.