Voters headed to the polls Sunday to elect members of Hong Kong's Legislative Council. Officials have tried to boost turnout amid public anger over a recent fire that killed 159 people.
Campaigning was halted in the wake of the blaze [FILE: November 11, 2025]Image: Stringer/Nexpher Images/IMAGO
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Polling stations opened on Sunday morning in Hong Kong as voters elected lawmakers to the city's Legislative Council.
Polls closed on Sunday evening, with the poll drawing its second lowest turnout rate on record. The Registration and Electoral Office said turn out stood at 31.9%.
The ballot comes days after a massive fire at an apartment complex killed at least 159 people, the deadliest blaze in Hong Kong in decades.
Election seen as a gauge of public sentiment after deadly fire
Election campaigns were suspended after the fire and were subdued in the days after as the city mourned.
A low turnout had been predicted amid public anger over the authorities' handling of the fire at Wang Fuk Court, which was undergoing renovations.
On Friday, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee called on voters to head to the polls and use their ballots to enact reform and help support the victims of the blaze, many of whom have been left homeless.
"While we mourn the victims and support those affected, we must also be united and support reform together," Lee said.
John Lee urged voters to back reform in Hong KongImage: Chan Long Hei/AP Photo/picture alliance
He added that a bill to discuss relief and reconstruction efforts would be introduced at the first meeting of the new Legislative Council.
"They will certainly work with the government to promote reforms, diligently review funding, and draft relevant laws," said Lee, who last week said a "judge-led independent committee" would investigate the causes of the fire.
Since the blaze on November 27, the Hong Kong police have arrested 15 people from construction companies that were working on the apartment complex on suspicion of manslaughter.
At least three people who called for more official accountability have also been reportedly arrested for sedition since the fire.
Hong Kong fire critics detained under National Security Law
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'Patriots-only' election
The vote is the second since the central government in Beijing reformed the city's electoral system in 2021 to ensure that only "patriots" who are loyal to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) can govern the territory.
The reform was introduced in the wake of massive pro-democracy protests in 2019.
A year later, Beijing introduced the National Security Law that saw a major crackdown on government dissidents and democracy activists. Many have either been jailed or have fled Hong Kong.
The first election held under the new rules in 2021 saw a record low turnout of 30%.
Hong Kong in shock after major fire
Numerous dead and hundreds missing: A devastating high-rise fire spread at an alarming speed in a residential complex in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong government announced inspections in the construction sector.
Image: Tyrone Siu/REUTERS
Residential complex on fire
The world looks on in shock: a devastating fire in Hong Kong engulfed a high-rise complex within 24 hours. Seven of the eight 31-story buildings in the Wang Fuk residential complex in the northern district of Tai Po went up in flames in a very short time. Authorities report more than 50 dead and hundreds missing, while police are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Image: Nexpher Images/Sipa USA/picture alliance
Combustible scaffolding
Are these the cause of the devastating fire? Bamboo scaffolding covered with nets burned down on the outside of the high-rise buildings. The residential buildings from the 1980s were being scaffolded for renovation work. Police arrested three people from a construction company on suspicion of negligent homicide and announced inspections at other construction sites.
Image: Tyrone Siu/REUTERS
Firefighting under extreme conditions
The fire department has reported difficult conditions, including falling debris and extremely high temperatures on the upper floors. The fire is now under control, but flames are still being fought in three buildings. During the investigation into the causes of the fire, investigators found highly flammable insulation material around the windows and potentially inferior building materials.
Image: Nexpher Images/Sipa USA/picture alliance
Spontaneous solidarity in Hong Kong
Many people lost all their belongings in the flames; more than 900 people are in emergency shelters now. Spontaneously organized donations of clothing and food are helping those affected through the difficult time. "The spirit of the people of Hong Kong is that everyone helps anyone in need," says Stone Ngai. The 38-year-old is one of the organizers of the spontaneous relief effort.
Image: Peter Parks/AFP/Getty Images
Tears, sorrow and despair
This is the worst fire disaster in decades in the densely populated metropolis. According to some residents, the fire alarm was barely audible — neighbors warned each other about the flames. "Ringing doorbells, knocking on doors, alerting the neighbors," reports a man who was able to leave the burning towers in time. "That's what the situation was like."
Image: Tyrone Siu/REUTERS
Safety standards in the construction sector under review
In the wake of the devastating fire, authorities announced a review of safety standards for all major residential construction projects. A law that took effect in March 2025 says that at least half of the scaffolding used in public construction projects in Hong Kong must be made of metal in order to reduce the risk of a rapidly spreading fire.
Image: Yan Zhao/AFP
Fire department in continuous operation
Rescue efforts are still going on. First responders are still pulling survivors out of the burned-out apartment towers with more than 2,000 apartments. According to media reports, rescuers are also getting pets like cats and dogs out of burning apartments. John Lee, Hong Kong's chief executive, announced a relief fund worth about $38.5 million to help those affected financially.
