Patriots Only’ LegCo Election: Hong Kong Government Mobilizes Massive Campaign to Boost Turnout

HONG KONG — Hong Kong is holding its Legislative Council (LegCo) election today, the culmination of a massive government mobilization effort intended to validate the city’s new “patriots only” electoral system imposed by Beijing in 2021.

The changes were implemented shortly after the 2019 protests to ensure stability, barring candidates deemed disloyal to China. A total of 161 candidates, all vetted for their patriotism, are competing for 90 seats in the legislative body.

The government’s primary goal is to significantly raise turnout above the record-low 30% recorded in the first election under the new rules in 2021. The rationale, as noted by analyst Professor John P Burns, is that a higher turnout would be interpreted by the government as a sign that voters perceive the reshaped political system as “relatively legitimate.”

In response, authorities have deployed an unprecedented, festive campaign featuring:

Economic Incentives: Distributing “thank you cards” redeemable for shopping discounts, beauty services, and insurance premiums.

Public Offerings: Offering free entry to public swimming pools and museums on polling day.

Pop Culture: Creating cartoon mascots and a theme song adapted from Cantopop star Aaron Kwok’s 2001 hit, “Let’s Vote, Together We Create The Future.”

The campaign’s focus on celebration and incentives continued despite the recent Tai Po fire tragedy, which killed nearly 160 people. Chief Executive John Lee insisted the election continue to ensure the new LegCo could immediately support post-disaster reconstruction and reforms. The national security office also reposted a commentary urging residents to vote to “show support for government’s reconstruction efforts.”

The election is also notable for a significant turnover within the pro-Beijing establishment. About a quarter of incumbent lawmakers are stepping down, including several prominent, long-serving politicians.

Local media have reported that Beijing pressured several lawmakers to retire, unofficially setting an age limit. Among those stepping down due to age is Regina Ip, the former security chief known as the “Iron Lady.” This shift ensures a new generation of political faces, all vetted as patriots, will populate the new LegCo.

Despite the mobilization efforts, the devastating fire and the subsequent questions about government governance and building safety standards loom large, leaving analysts to anticipate whether the massive campaign can overcome voter apathy and the deep political divisions that persist in the city.