Hong Kong, Dec 7 (AFP/APP): Hong Kong began voting on Sunday to choose new lawmakers under Beijing’s “patriots only” rules, though government efforts to drive turnout have been overshadowed by the city’s deadliest fire in decades.
Beijing revamped Hong Kong’s electoral system in 2021 following the city’s huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests, but the first contest under those rules saw a record low turnout of 30 percent.
The voter turnout just before noon Sunday stood at 10.33 percent, while the comparable figure in the last election was 9.35 percent.
Hong Kong leader John Lee again urged the public to head to the polls.
“(Your) vote represents a vote that pushes forward reform, and a vote to protect those affected by the disaster,” Lee told reporters after casting his vote.
Political campaigning was abruptly paused after a blaze tore through the housing blocks of Wang Fuk Court in northern Hong Kong in late November, killing at least 159 people.
A woman surnamed Poon, whose home went up in flames, said the fire must be “thoroughly investigated”, adding that she believed the government responded promptly.
“Whoever is at fault must be held responsible,” Poon told AFP outside the polling station closest to the charred buildings.
She said the next batch of lawmakers “should monitor the government”.
Jacky Lam, a 56-year-old teacher who lived in the affected Tai Po district, said the government’s top priority should be proper resettlement.
“(Lawmakers) ought to regularly meet with residents and collect their views,” Lam added.
The government will propose a bill at the first meeting of the new Legislative Council to discuss relief and rebuilding efforts.
City leader Lee had earlier announced a judge-led “independent committee” to investigate the fire, which devastated seven apartment blocks undergoing renovations.
As of late Wednesday, police have arrested 15 people from various construction companies on suspicion of manslaughter.
Police also reportedly arrested at least three people for sedition in the wake of the fire, including 24-year-old student Miles Kwan who handed out flyers calling for government accountability. AFP later saw Kwan leaving the police station.
