Low voter turnout may indicate good governance, says Carrie Lam

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor on Wednesday said a low voter turnout may indicate good governance, with citizens not feeling the urge to elect councilors monitoring the administration.  

Speaking to an interview with Global Times, Lam said that with the Legco election set for December 19, many factors affect the voter turnout.  

The Hong Kong leader noted that there is a saying when the government is doing well, and its credibility is high, the voter turnout will decrease because the people do not have a strong urge to choose councilors to monitor the administration.  

"Therefore, I think the turnout rate does not mean anything," said Lam.  

She also said the SAR's effort on elections and democracy should not be called a political reform, but in fact, the government is only implementing what was promised in the city's Basic Law.  

The English-language newspaper also noted that people had seen many "emotional moments" from Lam over the years, with "a lot of tears and helplessness."  

Asked what supported her in those difficult times, Lam replied it was Beijing, her family, and the promise she made when elected in 2017 to stick with the Hong Kong people "no matter what storms and waves may arise."  

She also wishes to tell people planning to emigrate overseas that Hong Kong will become a more livable city as housing and education issues are being addressed.