Author: Satoshi Nakamoto

HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s legislative elections, held on December 7, delivered several upsets and high-profile victories, with final results confirming new faces and established figures across the geographic, functional, and Election Committee constituencies. Voter participation in the geographical constituencies saw a slight increase, reaching 31.90%, involving over 1.3 million voters during the extended 16-hour voting period that concluded at 11:30 p.m. local time. The results highlight shifting political dynamics and underscore the new composition of the city’s legislature.

The December 7 polls, which saw a 1.7 percentage point increase in geographical turnout compared to the last election, featured intense competition, particularly in local districts and certain functional sectors. The Election Affairs Commission Chairman, Raymond Luk Kui-hong, confirmed the smooth counting process and noted that despite challenges, including an early fire affecting some polling stations in Tai Po, turnout in those areas mirrored the overall average.

Geographical Seats See High-Profile Challenges

Competition in the geographical constituencies yielded notable “vote getters” and surprising defeats for incumbents. Deng Jia-biao of the Federation of Trade Unions (FTU) secured the most votes regionally, becoming the “king of votes” with 53,675 ballots in Kowloon East and retaining his seat. Similarly, Regina Fun of the Professional Dynamic party was crowned the “queen of votes” after successfully stepping into the Legislative Council (LegCo) for the first time, achieving a massive 58,828 votes in New Territories Southeast.

However, several long-serving incumbents failed to secure re-election. In Kowloon East, pro-establishment stalwart Holden Chow was defeated despite his Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) affiliation. Another significant upset occurred in Hong Kong Island West, where FTU’s Kwok Wai-keung lost his seat to DAB’s Chan Hok-fung and New People’s Party’s Judy Chan Hoi-yu.

Other key direct election outcomes include:

• New Territories Southwest: FTU’s Chan Wing-yan and Kwok Fu-yung both secured seats.
• Hong Kong Island East: FTU’s Kingsley Wong and DAB’s Judy Tsz-ching successfully edged out opponents.
• New Territories Northeast: DAB’s Gary Chan Hak-kan and New People’s Party’s Dominic Lee Tsz-king both retained their seats.

Functional Constituencies Experience Tight Races and New Entrants

The functional constituencies, representing specific professional and economic sectors, saw multiple razor-thin margins. A major surprise unfolded in the Accountancy sector, where challenger Ng Kam-wah defeated incumbent DAB member Dickie Wong Chun-sing by a small margin, marking him as a high-profile “dark horse” winner. In the Fisheries and Agriculture sector, Chan Pok-chi narrowly beat his opponent by just three votes (82 to 79).

Perhaps the most recognized newcomer was fencing champion Vivian Kong Man-wai in the Sports, Performing Arts, Culture and Publication sector. Kong, competing for the first time in LegCo, won decisively with 131 votes, overwhelming her rival. Elsewhere, Andrew Lam Siu-hung won the Legal sector, while architect Anthony Wu secured the Architecture, Surveying, Planning, and Landscape seat.

Election Committee Category Sets the Tone

The 40 seats allocated via the revamped Election Committee constituency confirmed the dominance of pro-establishment parties. Twenty-four incumbent LegCo members successfully returned via this route, alongside several high-profile transferees and first-time successful candidates.

Yiu Pak-leung, who transitioned from a different constituency, emerged as the category’s top vote-getter with 1,397 votes, while incumbent Eunice Yung Hoi-yan was the top female candidate with 1,386 votes. The DAB successfully fielded all eight of its candidates, including Ben Chan Han-pan and Elizabeth Quat. However, the FTU saw mixed success, with two vice-presidents failing to win seats, despite victories for Wong Kwok and Leung Tsz-ying.

New faces entering LegCo through the Election Committee include National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference member Fan Chun-wah, businessman Kevin Chong, and former police association chairman Chan Cho-kwong, underscoring the shift in the legislative body’s composition toward figures with strong establishment and mainland ties.

Looking ahead, the new composition of the Legislative Council, shaped by these victories and defeats across all three streams, will define Hong Kong’s legislative priorities and governance framework for the coming term. The electoral results confirm the growing consolidation of political authority within the modified electoral system.

HONG KONG — Pro-establishment candidates secured a commanding victory in the Legislative Council elections held on December 7, with results finalized early the following morning after a mandatory 16-hour voting period. The city’s legislature saw significant shifts in representation across functional constituencies, the Election Committee sector, and geographical constituencies, cementing the dominance of loyalist political groups.

The general election, which saw the polls open from 7:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m., recorded a geographical constituency turnout of 31.90%, a slight rise of 1.7 percentage points compared to the previous cycle’s overall figure of 30.2%. Over 1.3 million registered voters cast ballots, according to the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC).

The long night of counting revealed the composition of the new 90-seat Legislative Council, which combines representatives from three different electoral streams.

Functional and Geographical Contests See Key Defeats

Across the functional constituencies, several established figures lost their seats to fresh challengers. In the Accountancy functional constituency, newcomer Clement Ng Kam-wah triumphed with 4,389 votes, unseating the incumbent, Wong Chun-sok, who garnered 3,618 votes. Similarly, the long-standing unionist lawmaker Luk Chung-hung of the Federation of Trade Unions (FTU) failed to secure re-election in the New Territories Northwest geographical constituency, making way for victorious candidates Dennis Kwok Wing-hang and Chan Ho-fung.

Another notable upset occurred in Kowloon East, where FTU’s Aron Kwok Wai-keung lost his seat to Chui Pui-kong, despite the FTU’s overall successful result in that district, led by the incumbent and district “vote king,” Tang Ka-piu. Meanwhile, Elsie Chan, of the FTU, also failed to secure re-election in Hong Kong Island West, which saw victories for Chan Hok-fung and Chan Ka-pei.

Conversely, some high-profile incumbents retained their seats, including Kenneth Chan in the Financial sector and Edward Yip Tsz-kin in Education. Celebrated fencing champion Vivian Kong Man-wai was elected in the Tourism functional constituency, securing 131 votes against her opponent Ma Yik-chau’s 23.

In key geographical races, several incumbents successfully defended their positions. In New Territories Northeast, Gary Chan Hak-kan and Dominic Lee Tsz-king both secured re-election. Meanwhile, Christine Fong Kwok-shan, a perennial localist candidate, achieved a breakthrough win in New Territories Southeast, becoming the district’s “vote queen” with 58,828 votes, alongside the runner-up, Ip Au-tung.

Election Committee Sector: A Strong Mandate

The 40 seats allocated via the Election Committee were fiercely contested, predominantly by pro-establishment veterans and newcomers. Twenty-four incumbent lawmakers successfully transitioned or retained their seats within this sector.

DAB fielded an entirely successful slate of eight candidates, including Starry Lee and Elizabeth Quat, securing a strong presence. The FTU, however, faced mixed results, with two of their four entrants failing to win seats.

Paul Yiu, previously a functional constituency lawmaker, topped the vote tally for the Election Committee sector with 1,397 votes, earning him the title of “vote king.” Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee followed closely, securing 1,386 votes and the “vote queen” title. Several first-time aspirants gained entry through this route, including prominent figures such as Chan Chun-ying, the former head of the Police Force’s Rank and File General Association, and Jonathan Fan Chun-wah, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

EAC Chairman Addresses Extended Polling Hours

Following the announcement of results, EAC Chairman Raymond Luk Kai-hong defended the extended polling period, which ran 30 minutes longer than previous elections. Luk stated the extension was a measure to improve convenience for voters and was not intended to overtly boost turnout. Although acknowledging the increased operating costs, Luk indicated the EAC would review and analyze the efficacy of the extended hours in future elections.

The results underscore the new political landscape in the city, with a significant consolidation of power behind pro-establishment and loyalist factions in the legislature, reflecting the revamped electoral system implemented in recent years.

Hong Kong announced the final results of its expansive legislative elections held on December 7, marking the conclusion of a significant 16-hour voting period. The city’s restructured Legislative Council (LegCo) saw deputies elected across geographical constituencies, functional constituencies, and the powerful Election Committee sector. Initial figures confirmed a voter turnout of 31.90% for geographical directly elected seats—a marginal increase of 1.7 percentage points from the previous general election.

Over 1.3 million registered voters participated in the polls, which ran from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. local time. The diverse results reflect shifts in political alignments and introduce a significant number of newcomers to the legislature, alongside established veterans.

Geographical Seats See Pro-Establishment Sweep

Early vote counts confirmed the strong performance of pro-establishment parties in the revamped geographical constituencies. In New Territories Northeast, incumbents Dominic Lee of the New People’s Party and Kenneth Lau of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) secured early leads and ultimately prevailed. Both candidates amassed over 30,000 votes, cementing their dominance in the region.

Meanwhile, the New Territories Southeast race was led by Regina Ip of the New People’s Party, a perennial candidate, who secured roughly 40,000 votes, significantly ahead of her nearest competitor, Gary Yip of the DAB. In what analysts view as a relative setback, the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions (FTU) trailed in several key geographical areas, including the races involving Kwok Wai-keung in Hong Kong West and Luk Chung-hung in New Territories Northwest.

In the hotly contested Kowloon Central constituency, National People’s Congress Standing Committee member Starry Lee of the DAB commanded a strong lead with over 19,000 votes. The battle for the second seat in that region was tight, highlighting isolated competitive pockets despite the overall shift toward unconstrained candidates.

Election Committee Sector Dominates Headline Results

The 40 seats allocated via the Election Committee proved pivotal in shaping the new LegCo. Of these seats, 24 sitting legislators successfully navigated the switch to this new election mechanism. Yiu Pak-leung, who transitioned from a directly elected role, emerged as the “votecount king” for this sector, securing 1,397 votes. Following closely was incumbent legislator Eunice Yung—the “votecount queen”—with 1,386 votes.

The DAB celebrated a clean sweep in the Election Committee races, successfully electing all eight of its candidates, including party heavyweights such as Chan Han-pan and Elizabeth Quat. In contrast, the FTU saw mixed results; while Wong Kwok and Leung Tsz-wing were elected, two vice-chairmen, Ma Kwong-kwan and Tsang Chi-man, narrowly failed to secure seats.

Several first-time members from diverse professional backgrounds joined the Legislative Council via this channel, including businessman Jonathan Fan, hotel executive Jeffrey Chan, and former Commissioner of Police Chan Cho-kwong.

Electoral Commission Defends Extended Polling Hours

Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) Chairman Barnabas Luk addressed the media early Monday, confirming that the overall counting process was progressing smoothly and within anticipated timelines. Responding to questions regarding the extended polling period—which saw voting continue until 11:30 p.m.—Luk defended the measure as a convenience for the public rather than an attempt to artificially boost turnout metrics.

“We offer convenience, but ultimately, those who do not wish to vote will not vote, even if we were open for 24 hours,” Luk stated, suggesting the EAC would later review the fiscal and operational efficacy of the extended hours. He also noted that turnout rates remained consistent across polling stations, including three that had been affected by a major fire in Tai Po, indicating minimal disruption to the overall democratic process.

The functional constituencies also completed their counts, confirming victors in various professional and special interest groups, including finance, labor, and technology sectors. Notably, the Commercial (Third) sector, the Innovation and Technology sector, and the Fisheries and Agriculture sector recorded the highest turnout rates among the functional groups.

The newly formed Legislative Council is poised to begin its term next month, facing a substantial agenda that includes balancing economic recovery with constitutional development under the city’s new political framework.

HONG KONG — Hong Kong concluded its 2025 Legislative Council (LegCo) elections late Saturday, with preliminary results indicating a modest increase in overall voter engagement and revealing shifts among establishment figures securing seats in the newly reformed body.

The marathon 16-hour voting period, running from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on December 7, saw key political players vying for positions across geographical constituencies, functional constituencies, and the powerful Election Committee sector. The final district direct election turnout reached 31.90 percent, surpassing the previous cycle’s total turnout of 30.2 percent and drawing over 1.3 million voters to the polls.

Diverse Races Yield Early Leaders

As the counting process continued into the early morning hours, initial disclosures from the Geographical Constituencies pointed to strong performances by incumbent and pro-establishment candidates.

In the New Territories North contest, Tam Chun-kwok, associated with the New Territories Association of Societies, led the field with approximately 12,000 votes, followed closely by Raymond Yao from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) at around 11,000 votes.

Meanwhile, the election in New Territories Northwest saw the re-election bid of two incumbents, Dominic Lee (New People’s Party) and Chan Hak-kan (DAB), gain significant early traction, with leads of 14,000 and 10,000 votes, respectively, placing them well ahead of their rivals. In Kowloon Central, National People’s Congress Standing Committee member Starry Lee was the definitive frontrunner with over 19,000 votes, though the race for the second seat remained highly competitive.

Election Committee Seats Solidified

The composition of the crucial 40 seats allocated via the Election Committee was determined swiftly, with notable successes and a few upsets. Securing the highest vote tallies were Raymond Yiu Pak-leung, who transitioned from another electoral category, earning the top spot, or “King of Votes,” with 1,397 votes. Fellow incumbent Priscilla Chan Hoi-yan followed closely, becoming the “Queen of Votes” with 1,386 votes.

The DAB celebrated a clean sweep, with all eight of its candidates—including Chan Hak-kan, Elizabeth Quat, and Chan Chung-ni—successfully securing committee seats. However, the Federation of Trade Unions (FTU) faced mixed results, electing only two of its four hopefuls, with two vice-chairpersons failing to gain election. New faces joining the Legislative Council via this path included political veterans like Wen Ying-yee and former police association chief Chan Cho-kwong.

Administrative Oversight and Logistics

Despite the complexity of the elections, Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) Chairman Barnabas Fung Wah stated that the counting process was proceeding smoothly and within expectations. He noted that the extension of the voting duration until 11:30 p.m. was primarily a measure to enhance public convenience, dismissing suggestions that it was aimed at artificially boosting turnout.

“Even if we extended voting for 24 hours, those who choose not to vote will still not participate,” Fung said, while acknowledging the need for the EAC to review the cost-effectiveness of such measures.

Fung also remarked that voting rates at three polling stations affected by a fire in Tai Po were comparable to other districts. He expressed admiration for residents, some affected by the disaster, who still came out to vote, reflecting their desire for representatives to advocate on their behalf.

The highest cumulative turnout for geographical constituencies was observed in New Territories Southwest, Southeast, and Northwest, signaling intense local engagement. For functional constituencies, business (Third), Innovation and Technology, and the Agriculture and Fisheries sectors recorded the strongest participation rates.

While the election results cement the Legislative Council’s composition under the current political framework, the focus now shifts to the policy agenda of the new council as it tackles pressing economic and social issues facing the territory.

HONG KONG — The latest iteration of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council (LegCo) election, held on December 7, concluded after an extended voting period, registering a final geographical constituency turnout of 31.90%, slightly surpassing the previous election’s figure despite a restructured political landscape. Over 1.31 million voters cast ballots across the territory, with results confirming a predictable clean sweep for candidates largely aligned with the government across the geographical, functional, and Election Committee functional constituencies.

The voting process, which ran from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., saw numerous logistical preparations, including specialized polling stations designed to maximize accessibility. Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) Chairman Alex Lo Ki-hong addressed the media early Sunday, acknowledging the final regional constituency turnout of 31.90% and noting that the highest participation rates were observed in the New Territories Southwest, Southeast, and Northwest areas. Functional constituencies like the Commercial (Third), Innovation and Technology, and Agriculture and Fisheries sectors recorded the highest engagement.

Election Logistics and Voter Distribution

Specific arrangements were made for various voter groups, including approximately 7,100 votes cast at border-adjacent stations. Around 20,000 civil servants utilized dedicated polling venues, while medical staff at Hospital Authority facilities accounted for 631 votes across seven reserved locations. Correctional facilities tallied 2,400 votes, and three police stations saw minimal usage, recording just three votes.

Despite the relatively smooth procedure, the EAC received 457 complaints throughout the day. The majority of these related to election canvassing activities in private or government buildings (122 complaints), voting arrangements (63 complaints), and issues concerning election advertisements (58 complaints). Authorities stated that most of these grievances were addressed promptly.

Election Committee Constituency Results Finalized

The results from the 50-member Election Committee constituency were among the first to be finalized, with 40 candidates successfully securing seats. Political veterans dominated the list, with Yiu Pak-leung accumulating 1,397 votes and Regina Chen Hoi-yan securing 1,386 votes, marking them as the highest vote-getters.

The pro-establishment Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) performed strongly in this segment, seeing all eight of its candidates, including Chan Han-pan and Elizabeth Quat, elected. However, the Federation of Trade Unions (FTU) experienced mixed results, with only two of its four candidates, Wong Kwok and Leung Tsz-wing, winning seats, while Vice-Chairpersons Ma Kwong-yue and Tsang Chi-man were unsuccessful. Twenty-four incumbent lawmakers successfully returned to the legislative body via this channel.

Key Geographical and Functional Constituency Winners

Across the ten geographical constituencies, candidates affiliated with government-friendly parties prevailed in all regions. Key winners included incumbents and newcomers across geographical areas such as Hong Kong Island East and West, Kowloon East and West, and the various New Territories regions.

The 30 functional constituencies also saw a broad range of sectoral representatives elected. Noteworthy wins include those in the influential legal and financial sectors, with Chan Pei-leung securing a seat in the Insurance sector, and Fok Kai-kong winning in the Sports, Performing Arts, Culture and Publication sector. The elections confirmed the dominance of established political actors and sectoral representatives, reflecting the aims of the overhauled electoral system.

The newly elected LegCo is set to convene with a composition heavily skewed toward pro-establishment voices, a structure critics argue further limits political pluralism in the city’s governance. The results underscore the ongoing transformation of Hong Kong’s political landscape following the restructuring of its electoral mechanisms.

HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s new-look Legislative Council (LegCo) election concluded late Saturday, December 7, delivering a roster of successful candidates across the geographical, functional, and Election Committee constituencies. The city saw a slight uptick in turnout for geographical constituencies, reaching 31.43%—1.23 percentage points higher than the previous overall figure—as nearly 1.3 million voters participated in the polls, which ran from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

The vote marks the latest iteration of the city’s legislative process, following significant electoral reforms. Key government officials, including Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang and Electoral Affairs Commission Chairman Barnabas Luk, initiated the process of emptying ballot boxes at the central counting station in the Convention and Exhibition Centre shortly after voting ceased at 11:30 p.m. Local media provided continuous coverage as results filtered through the early morning hours.

Election Committee Confirms 40 Winners

The first results declared came from the critically important Election Committee constituency. This bloc, mandated to select a large portion of LegCo members, saw 40 of its 50 candidates successfully elected. The final count for this segment was announced at 12:55 a.m., shortly after completing the tally which recorded two invalid ballots.

High vote-getters in the Election Committee stream included Yiu Pak-leung (1,397 votes), Chan Hoi-king (1,386 votes), and Li Chun-keung (1,354 votes), underscoring the strong organizational backing for many of the victors. The results solidify a governing majority committed to the newly structured political framework.

Regional and Sectoral Results Declared

Throughout the predawn hours, results continued to be announced for the remaining seats in the geographical constituencies (local districts) and functional constituencies (professional and sectoral groups).

The geographical constituencies saw intense competition across the ten designated regions, with lists of candidates vying for seats in areas such as Hong Kong Island East (including candidates like Ng Chau-pei and Chik Kit-ling) and Kowloon Central (featuring candidates like Lee Wai-king and Yeung Yung-kit). The voting patterns in these districts offer a localized snapshot of voter engagement under the revised system.

In the functional constituencies, which represent specific economic and social sectors, a broad range of professionals secured their positions. Notable victors included:

• Education: Tang Fei and Cheung Chak-sum
• Legal: Lee Wing-cheung and Chan Hiu-fung
• Engineering: Fok Wai-tung and Pok Kwok-ming
• Labour: Su Pak-chan, Chow Siu-chung, Tam Kam-lin, Li Kwong-yu, and Lam Wai-kong

The successful candidates from the functional groups, spanning industries from finance and real estate to healthcare and agriculture, are expected to bring specialized expertise to the Legislative Council’s policy debates.

Implications of the New Council

The final composition of the Legislative Council, shaped by the three electoral streams, indicates the full implementation of the framework set forth by the central government. Analysts suggest the new LegCo is primed to prioritize stability and swift legislative passage of policy, particularly those concerning economic development and national security.

While the geographical turnout showed a minor increase, the overall figure signals constrained political participation compared to historical levels before the electoral overhaul. The next legislative session will be closely watched both locally and internationally, as the newly elected body begins its work of enacting legislation and scrutinizing government policy in the evolving political landscape of Hong Kong.

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.

HONG KONG — The Legislative Council election held today, Sunday, has culminated in an unexpected surge in demand for the government-issued voter appreciation cards, with citizens immediately turning to online marketplaces to buy and sell the commemorative items. Hours after polling stations opened, digital listings for the “Thank You” cards appeared on platforms like Carousell, commanding prices from HK$10 to HK$80, transforming the small token into a speculative commodity.

The cards, distributed to residents upon completion of voting, were primarily intended by the government as a gesture of gratitude for civic participation and to serve as a keepsake. However, the presence of various commercial incentives tied to the card—including steep discounts at major cinema chains and restaurants—quickly fueled a secondary market.

Commemorative Card Becomes Currencies

Initial listings for the thank-you notes surfaced even before the polls closed, with buyers offering up to HK$40 per card yesterday. Today, sellers aggressively marketed the items, often highlighting their artistic merit. One seller noted the card’s appeal as a collectible, describing the vibrant colors and clear imagery depicting the Hong Kong skyline, advising potential buyers that the cards were “limited in quantity” and suitable for memory or collection. This push for collectibility, frequently associated with the quadrennial election cycle, likely drove the higher end of the pricing scale.

The cards provide tangible benefits across the city. Ten major cinema chains, including Broadway Circuit and Emperor Cinemas, announced that cardholders could purchase one half-price cinema ticket today. Furthermore, numerous eateries and retail chains offered various perks, such as 10% discounts or buy-one-get-one-free coffee deals, effectively turning the commemorative card into a temporary discount voucher.

Government Acknowledges Voter Discretion

When asked about the immediate resale of the gratitude cards, the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau maintained a neutral stance. A Bureau spokesperson confirmed that the primary intent was to thank voters for demonstrating support and high turnout. While the government certainly hoped that voters would retain the card as a souvenir, the official statement clarified that voters ultimately have full discretion over how they choose to use the item once it is in their possession.

This unexpected market activity underscores the intersection of civic duty, consumer incentives, and entrepreneurship in the digital age. While some citizens appear eager to capitalize financially on their vote, others view the cards purely as a means to access time-sensitive discounts, leading to the rapid transaction of the item online.

The phenomenon also raises questions about the practical logistics of linking a civic act to commercial rewards. Although the discounts incentivize turnout, the immediate commodification of the appreciation card highlights the challenge of ensuring such tokens remain purely symbolic in a highly connected, profit-driven environment. As the election wraps up, the online market for these small pieces of paper continues to draw bids, illustrating the unexpected tangible value derived from casting a ballot.

HONG KONG — The city’s legislative elections on Sunday generated an unexpected secondary market as official thank-you cards distributed to voters immediately appeared for resale online, fetching prices ranging from HK$10 to HK$80. Following the conclusion of the polls, which saw citizens receive the commemorative cards touted by the government, several posts surfaced on popular online platforms, including Carousell, advertising the unique tokens, potentially driven by exclusive commercial discounts tied to the cards.

The controversial trading began even before polls officially opened. On Saturday, solicitations for the cards were already active on secondhand sites, with some users offering up to HK$40 per card. By Sunday morning, shortly after voting commenced, multiple sellers began listing the physical cards for immediate sale. One seller justified the price by emphasizing the cards’ quality, noting the “beautiful design, suitable for collection or as a souvenir,” and highlighting their vibrant colors and display of Hong Kong’s cityscape, adding that such opportunities arise only “once every four years.”

The Appeal of Commercial Perks

The unexpected demand for the tokens appears directly related to a coordinated effort by local businesses to incentivize participation. Numerous retailers, restaurant chains, and entertainment venues announced special promotions exclusively for citizens presenting the official thank-you card.

A major draw was the discount offered by the cinema industry. A collective of ten major theater chains announced that cardholders could purchase one half-price movie ticket on Sunday, excluding special screenings or private events. Participating chains included Broadway Circuit, MCL Cinema, Emperor Cinemas, and Golden Harvest. Beyond entertainment, various restaurants and retailers offered holders perks such as 10% discounts on meals or complimentary “buy-one-get-one-free” coffee promotions.

“While the discounts themselves are generally minor, the sheer volume of businesses participating, from cinemas to coffee shops, made the cards attractive in aggregate,” explained Dr. Chan Wai-man, a consumer behavior analyst based in Hong Kong. “For some who may not have voted but desired the discounts, or for speculators aiming to profit from the combined value of the perks, this created a low-level gray market immediately following the civic event.”

Online Platform Scrutiny

The immediate resale of the government-issued tokens raises questions about the ethics versus the legality of trading symbolic, non-transferable civic incentives. While the cards themselves bear no face value, trading them for monetary gain potentially subverts the government’s intent to reward democratic participation.

Online platforms have a checkered history of managing the resale of subsidized or government-linked items. Sources within Carousell did not immediately comment on whether they intend to regulate or remove the listings specifically tied to the election cards.

While the discounts remain available only to cardholders, the transfer of the physical card, sometimes sold in bulk by single users, suggests some level of arbitrage is occurring, with individuals treating the commemorative item as a commodity tied to temporary commercial value. The situation highlights the challenges of linking civic participation to tangible, transferable economic incentives and managing the subsequent response in the digital resale economy. As the window for most discounts expires soon, observers expect the resale activity to dissipate quickly.

HONG KONG – One week after a devastating, five-alarm blaze tore through the mammoth Hong Fu Court housing complex in Tai Po, claiming at least 159 lives, government officials are intensifying efforts to account for 31 residents still missing while simultaneously launching a comprehensive inquiry into the disaster’s origins and implications. Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Chris Sun, stated on Sunday during a television appearance that while social workers have established contact with 1,971 of the complex’s 1,984 households, 13 families remain unreachable, prompting fears that entire families may have perished.

The tragic scale of the incident, which unfolded at one of the region’s largest public housing estates, has strained local social services. Mr. Sun indicated that the government’s “One Household, One Social Worker” initiative has successfully assigned dedicated case managers to the vast majority of Hong Fu Court’s residents.

“We understand that there is immense need following this catastrophe,” Mr. Sun explained, acknowledging the challenge of mobilizing sufficient resources. “While the Social Welfare Department has approximately 2,000 social workers handling existing caseloads, we are making operational adjustments to dedicate experienced personnel to the most vulnerable Hong Fu residents with high-risk factors.”

Accelerating Closure for Missing Families

The search for the 31 missing individuals remains paramount. Mr. Sun vowed to continue tracking down non-cohabitating family members to understand why these residents may have left or if they were victims of the fire.

Crucially, the government is exploring fast-tracking bureaucratic processes for the families of those missing whose fate is increasingly grim. This special handling aims to expedite procedures traditionally required before authorities can confirm fatalities and manage remains, offering quicker closure to grieving relatives.

Independent Inquiry Promised Full Cooperation

In parallel, the government is establishing an independent commission to thoroughly investigate the fire, examining everything from building codes to response protocols. Mr. Sun assured the public that all government departments, including the Labour Department under his purview, would offer “unreserved cooperation” and provide the commission with every piece of requested documentation.

“This incident must be fully investigated. Those individuals found responsible for negligence or breaches of duty must be held accountable,” the Secretary stated firmly, stressing the need for complete transparency to restore public trust.

Sweeping Reforms Proposed for Construction Sites

Beyond the immediate crisis response, the tragedy is forcing a reevaluation of broader safety regulations, specifically surrounding fire hazards in local workplaces. The government announced it is actively exploring an amendment to bylaws that would enforce a complete smoking ban at all construction sites.

The proposed regulatory change would be introduced via a “first establish, then scrutinize” procedure, allowing it to be presented to the Legislative Council shortly after the new session begins. It is estimated this process could take as little as 49 days.

Furthermore, officials are considering transitioning the enforcement mechanism for safety violations from the current prosecution-based system to one utilizing fixed-penalty fines. This shift aims to accelerate enforcement and serve as a stronger deterrent against illegal activity on sites.

The Labour Department is also tackling practical challenges, including how to balance fire prevention while providing designated smoking areas near construction sites—a difficult compromise for worker welfare. The outcome of these reviews will shape long-term industrial safety standards while the community of Tai Po continues its painful path toward healing and recovery.