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Hong Kong’s Democratic Party Votes to Dissolve, Ending Major Organized Opposition

Members cite warnings from Chinese officials after years of pressure under the National Security Law.

Overview

  • The party approved self-dissolution with 117 of 121 members voting in favor and four abstentions at an extraordinary general meeting.
  • Chairman Lo Kin-hei announced the winding-up and said the move reflected the current political environment in the city.
  • Senior figures reported being urged by Chinese officials or intermediaries to disband, with threats of severe consequences or arrest if they refused.
  • The Democratic Party was the last large non–pro-Beijing group in Hong Kong, so its closure removes the principal organized opposition presence.
  • The decision follows a crackdown since 2020 that has jailed activists including former chairs Albert Ho and Wu Chi-wai, barred pro-democracy candidates from last week’s Legislative Council election, and forced independent groups and outlets such as Apple Daily to shut.