HONG KONG — The recent Legislative Council election has significantly realigned power within Hong Kong’s principal legislative body, cementing the dominance of establishment parties and featuring several high-profile incumbent defeats. The pro-Beijing Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) emerged as the dominant force, increasing its representation, while its ally, the Federation of Trade Unions (FTU), saw mixed results, including the loss of two prominent figures. The overall electoral landscape reflects the ongoing transformation of the city’s political system.
The DAB, the largest pro-establishment party, expanded its council presence from 19 to 20 seats despite fielding 26 candidates. Notably, the party achieved a clean sweep in the Election Committee constituency, winning all eight seats contested. However, it suffered an unexpected loss in the functional constituency, where accountant Raymond Wong Chun-sze failed to secure re-election.
Conversely, the FTU, another major pro-establishment group, struggled, maintaining its seven-seat total but losing two high-profile geographically elected incumbents: Kwok Wai-keung in Hong Kong Island West and Luk Chung-hung in New Territories Northwest. In the Election Committee segment, only two of the four FTU candidates secured victory.
Shifts and Setbacks Among Establishment Allies
The New People’s Party (NPP) experienced a major reduction in strength, seeing its council seats halved from six to three. The party fielded eight candidates, including seven in geographical direct elections, where newcomers like Kwok Ho-king and Chan Chi-ho were unsuccessful. Only incumbents Dominic Lee Tsz-king (New Territories Northeast) and Eunice Yung Hoi-yan (Hong Kong Island West) retained their seats, augmented by Ho King-hong’s victory in the Election Committee constituency.
Meanwhile, the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong (BPA) underwent a substantial rejuvenation, securing eight seats, one fewer than its previous nine. While the party’s four candidates in geographical direct elections were unsuccessful, the BPA maintained its influence through functional constituencies and the Election Committee. Long-serving senior members stepped aside, allowing new faces to emerge. New BPA members won several functional seats, including Jeremy Wong Wing-wai, who took over the Industrial (First) slot previously held by Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen.
The Liberal Party maintained a stable presence, retaining its four existing seats, all through functional constituencies. Smaller parties also saw relative stability: Roundtable maintained its solitary seat, held by Gary Chan Hok-fung, while the Federation of Education Workers (FEW) surprisingly doubled its representation from two to four seats.
Legislative Priorities and Forward Look
The election results underscore a political environment where experienced and established figures within the pro-establishment camp largely thrived, particularly through the Election Committee apparatus.
Newly elected legislators are already signaling their intent to tackle pressing issues. Gary Chan Hok-fung of Roundtable, who successfully defended his New Territories Northwest seat, stated that his victory demonstrates that Hong Kong’s electorate still values “rational and outspoken voices.” Chan also thanked politician Michael Tien Puk-sun for establishing a clear foundation and identity for their party.
Reflecting on the competitive environment, BPA lawmaker Lam Kin-fung described the contest as “healthy competition” and urged the newly formed Legislative Council to prioritize discussions across various sectors, especially in light of recent events like a major fire that affected polling day operations. Lam Wai-lun, who took over a key business seat previously held by Lam Kin-fung, expressed gratitude for his predecessor’s mentorship and industry support.
With the new lineup officially in place, the Legislative Council is set to focus on policy implementation, economic recovery, and addressing social welfare concerns, operating under a mandate determined by the shifts reflected in the latest electoral results.
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