With Hong Kong’s Legislative Council election set for December 7 — the second since the city’s electoral reforms — the government has pledged to safeguard the poll from any attempts by “anti-China, anti-Hong Kong” elements to disrupt or discredit the process.

A total of 161 nomination forms were submitted before the nomination period closed on October 6, with all 90 seats contested — including 20 from geographical constituencies, 30 from functional constituencies, and 40 from the Election Committee constituency. Competition in several districts is said to be even fiercer than in the previous term, as candidates across the city ramp up their campaigns.

LegCo President Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, reviewing the outgoing term — the first under the “patriots administering Hong Kong” principle — said the legislature had successfully moved past years of political paralysis and “returned to a rational and pragmatic track.”

Officials condemn smear campaigns and boycott calls

Authorities have denounced recent online campaigns led by exiled former lawmakers Ted Hui Chi-fung, Andrew Chiu Ka-yin, and Yau Man-chun, as well as overseas groups such as the Hong Kong Democracy Council, which have urged residents to cast blank ballots or boycott the election altogether.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu strongly condemned such actions, accusing certain opposition figures of “politicizing and distorting” the Central Government’s concern for Hong Kong’s elections.

“Some have maliciously twisted normal personnel changes into claims of so-called ‘restrictions’ or ‘blessing lists,’” Lee said. “The so-called ‘Central Government interference in Hong Kong’s elections’ is a completely false proposition — an attempt to undermine the credibility of the election through politicization and conspiracy.”

Security Secretary Chris Tang Ping-keung also warned the public not to repost or promote boycott-related messages online, saying those who do so risk breaching electoral laws.

“If anyone colludes with foreign forces to influence or manipulate the election, they could also violate the National Security Law,” he said, adding that enforcement actions would be taken “decisively and in accordance with the evidence.”

Police crack down on election poster vandalism

Police have stepped up enforcement to ensure a safe and orderly election, targeting any acts of interference or sabotage. Recent incidents involved individuals accused of criminally damaging election posters and stealing promotional flags.

According to police, seven suspects aged between 14 and 71 have been arrested in connection with such cases as of November 7. Officers said the swift arrests were made possible through surveillance under the project “SmartView,” which has installed over 4,500 CCTV cameras in high-traffic public areas since 2024 to deter and solve crimes.

The force reiterated its “zero tolerance” policy toward election-related offenses, stressing that the Hong Kong government is fully capable of maintaining electoral integrity and will “resolutely punish any unlawful acts.”

Voting is a civic duty

Officials reminded the public that voting is both a right and a civic responsibility. Under Article 26 of the Basic Law, permanent residents of Hong Kong enjoy the right to vote and to stand for election.

“The exercise of the right to vote is not only a fundamental right but also an obligation of every citizen,” a government spokesman said. “Hongkongers should actively cast their votes to safeguard a fair, just, clean, and orderly election, laying a solid foundation for the city’s long-term stability and prosperity.”