Hong Kong, December 8—Hong Kong concluded its Legislative Council election late Saturday evening, confirming the slate of representatives across geographical constituencies, functional constituencies, and the Election Committee sector. The polls, held from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on December 7, saw a slight increase in participation, with the voter turnout for geographical constituencies reaching 31.43 percent. This figure represents nearly 1.3 million voters and exceeds the previous election’s final turnout of 30.2 percent by 1.23 percentage points. Counting commenced shortly before midnight at the central tabulation station in the Convention and Exhibition Centre, following the formal unwrapping of ballot boxes by officials.
The final results, announced early Sunday, revealed the makeup of the 90-seat legislature, which operates under a reformed electoral system implemented in 2021. This system significantly altered the composition and selection methods for the Council. The results confirm a broad range of winners across all three electoral mechanisms.
Geographical Seats Filled Across Ten Regions
The election allocated 44 seats across 10 geographical constituencies, with multi-seat districts electing between four and six representatives. Notable winners from these direct elections include established figures alongside new faces.
In Hong Kong Island East, successful candidates included Ng Chau-pei and Chik Kit-ling. On the western side of the island, Jeremy Young and Chan Pui-fan secured seats. Kowloon East saw the election of Deng Ka-biu and Cheung Pui-kong, while Kowloon West results confirmed Kwan Wai-hei and Lau Oi-she.
Among the New Territories regions, New Territories Southeast elected Ip Au-tung and Li Ching-yee. New Territories North returned Tam Chun-kwok, and New Territories Northwest elected Holden Chow and Chong Ho-fung. These directly elected members are tasked with representing local community interests and concerns within the legislative framework.
Functional Constituencies Elect Industry and Sector Representatives
The functional constituencies, which represent specific professional and economic sectors, also completed their selection processes. These groups elect members based on specialized electorates relevant to their fields.
Key functional constituency results included:
- Labour: A five-member representation featuring So Pak-tsan and Chow Siu-chung.
- Engineering: Elected Huo Wai-tung and Pok Kwok-ming.
- Education: Seats were secured by Cheung Chak-shung and Tang Fei.
- Financial Services: Confirmed Li Wai-hong and Lin Siu-tung.
- Sports, Performing Arts, Culture and Publication: Elected Kenneth Fok and Law Kwong-ping.
These representatives are often selected for their expertise in their respective sectors, intended to provide technical knowledge during legislative debates concerning their industries.
Election Committee Sector Completes Legislative Roster
Finally, the 40 seats allocated to the Election Committee sector were also filled. This sector, composed of members drawn from various official and sectoral bodies, ensures representation from influential community groups.
The list of successful candidates from the Election Committee sector includes prominent political figures such as Yiu Pak-leung, Chan Yung, Paul Tse, and Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, highlighting the influence of established political and business leaders in this mechanism. The composition of this sector is seen as crucial for policy alignment and stability within the legislature.
Following the conclusion of the count, the government leadership is expected to brief the public on the overall conduct of the election and the implications of the newly formed council as the city prepares for its next political cycle. The new Legislative Council is scheduled to convene in the coming weeks to begin its term.
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