Hongkongers are voting in an election seen as a test of public sentiment following a deadly fire that angered some in the city.
The government has mounted a huge campaign to encourage Hongkongers to choose members of the Legislative Council (LegCo). All of the candidates have been vetted to ensure they are loyal to China.
The election takes place as many are mourning the Tai Po fire last month which killed nearly 160 people.
In recent days, authorities have distributed aid to survivors, arrested suspects and sought to improve building safety, as some Hongkongers raise questions about the incident.
A total of 161 candidates are competing for 90 seats in the LegCo, which acts as a mini parliament and can make and amend laws.
The election is the second since 2021 when China made sweeping changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system to ensure only “patriots” could run for seats.
Beijing has said the changes, which were put in place shortly after the 2019 protests, were necessary to ensure stability in Hong Kong, but critics say they weakened democracy.
The last poll, which took place shortly after those changes, saw its lowest-ever turnout of 30% amid widespread voter apathy.
This year, the government has blanketed the city with posters urging Hongkongers to head to the polls, while dangling freebies and shopping discounts.
After casting their vote, each person will receive a “thank you card” that could be redeemed for vouchers in selected shops and restaurants, or for beauty services, medical check-ups and insurance policy premiums.
Credit: bbc.com
