Beijing offices praise LegCo election as model of ‘high-quality democracy’ and public support

Mainland authorities on Monday lauded Hong Kong’s latest Legislative Council election as a successful demonstration of the city’s “high-quality democracy,” citing higher turnout across all sectors and strong public endorsement of the new electoral system.

In a statement, a spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) described the poll as “safe, smooth and successful,” adding that voter participation in the Election Committee constituency, functional constituencies and geographical constituencies “all far surpassed the previous term.”

The spokesman said the results “fully represent the will of Hong Kong people” and “reflect the high degree of importance, active recognition and strong support from all sectors of society,” calling the outcome a “milestone achievement” in strengthening a democratic model consistent with the Constitution, the Basic Law and Hong Kong’s actual situation.

The HKMAO noted the election proceeded despite the shock of the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po. The spokesman praised the SAR government for its rapid response, saying authorities “activated a full-government mobilization mechanism, raced against time to extinguish the fire, rescue victims, treat the injured, and provide comprehensive support.”

The spokesman said Hong Kong society “stood together regardless of sector or background,” adding that the unity displayed in disaster relief helped voters “deepen their understanding of the significance of this election, turning grief into motivation and further inspiring the desire to vote.”

The HKMAO said the election highlighted the “advanced and superior qualities” of the revamped electoral system under the “patriots administering Hong Kong” principle. It emphasized that the system ensures “broad representation, political inclusiveness, balanced participation and fair competition.”

The spokesman praised the government’s management of the poll, saying Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and the administration “took up the responsibility as the ‘head of the household’ and the ‘first person responsible,’ coordinating election arrangements and disaster relief with innovative measures.”

The statement added that civil servants “led by example” by participating in the vote.

The HKMAO also highlighted what it described as a record level of election organization, publicity and mobilization, saying the process “consolidated a strong consensus on boosting the economy, promoting development, improving livelihoods and advancing reform.”

The office further noted that many businesses offered half-day leave for employees to vote and credited candidates for engaging in “healthy competition” based on policy platforms, ability and integrity.

Particularly notable, the spokesman said, was the conduct of many candidates during the Tai Po fire.

“They stepped forward, acted swiftly and threw themselves into frontline rescue efforts, demonstrating their character and competence,” the office stated, adding that their actions reflected the original intent of building a high-quality democratic model suited to Hong Kong.

The HKMAO said newly elected lawmakers are “patriotic, capable, dedicated and widely recognized by voters,” urging them to be “more diligent, more professional, more innovative and more upright” in serving the public and supporting governance.

Meanwhile, the Central Government’s Liaison Office in Hong Kong issued a congratulatory statement, calling the Dec 7 poll “another successful practice” of the new electoral system and proof of the institutional advantages of One Country, Two Systems.

It said the election reflected Hong Kong’s resilience in overcoming the sorrow of the Tai Po tragedy and “demonstrated the unyielding spirit of rebuilding the city together.”

The Liaison Office said 161 candidates engaged deeply with communities through more than 90 forums and voter meetings, showing a “gentlemanly contest” focused on platforms, competence and performance.

The statement added that voters “fulfilled their civic responsibility” and cast ballots that expressed “unity and collective strength for reform.”

Looking ahead, the Liaison Office said it believes the new LegCo will “firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests” and “work hand in hand with all sectors to boost the economy, advance development and improve livelihoods.”