Legislative Council Election 2025: Hongkongers cast ballots for second “patriot-only” legislature

Polling is underway on Sunday to elect the next term of the Legislative Council, the second “patriot-only” election since Beijing’s electoral overhaul in 2021.

As of 5:30 pm, turnout for geographical constituencies stands at 23.76%, with over 981,000 voters casting their ballots. In the previous LegCo election in 2021, turnout at the same time was 18.5%.

The polling period this year was extended for one hour, running from 7:30 am to 11:30 pm.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu cast his vote at Raimondi College polling station at 8:30 am.

“The Legislative Council has a lot of powers, for example, in approving spending or making new laws,” Lee said during a media session at the polling station.

“We will work together to fill loopholes in our existing system, reinforce our city’s safety, and give residents a greater sense of security,” Lee said. 

“All voters must therefore come out to vote today, because your ballot represents reform, safeguarding victims of the [Tai Po] fire, and our unity in marching forward,” he added.

Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court suffered a level-five fire on Nov. 26, which claimed more than 150 lives. Despite the casualties, authorities kept the election as scheduled, citing the need to avoid a vacuum period in the legislature.

Residents who showed up to cast a ballot said they wanted to support Hong Kong’s development, and hoped the next LegCo could focus more on social affairs.

“As a Hongkonger, it is our responsibility to support Hong Kong’s development,” said Jack Zhong, 36, an IT engineer who cast a ballot in the Kowloon West geographical constituency.

Zhong said he hopes the next Legislative Council would focus on economic development to improve residents’ quality of life. 

“As an IT engineer, I would like to see more supportive measures in the information technology sector, to give us more job opportunities,” he said.

Jacky Lam, 60, who works in commerce, also said he wants the next LegCo to focus on the economy, and added that the younger generations should especially come out to vote, because they are the leaders of Hong Kong’s future.

“Young people can communicate more with the government, so that the government understands the demands of the younger generations.”

“As long as the government is here, and people’s minds are clear, the vote turnout is not that big of an issue,” Lam said.

David Lok, chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, said the operation of the polling stations is running smoothly.

“It is important that electors cast their votes in the election to fulfil their civic responsibility seriously and elect a new term of Legislative Council Members for them to carry out their crucial functions and meet the overall interests of Hong Kong,” Lok told reporters after inspecting the Near Boundary Polling Station at Airport Terminal Two.

Candidates continue their efforts to boost turnout across the city, with volunteers holding up signs and banners to promote their candidates.

This year, there are more than 4.1 million registered voters, which is 8.1% fewer compared to the previous LegCo election in 2021.

The election this year will elect 90 new members to the Legislative Council, with 20 geographical constituencies, 30 functional constituencies and 40 Election Committee constituencies to be returned. Results are expected to be announced at midnight.