Hong Kong’s independent anti-corruption body took decisive action Thursday, detaining three individuals suspected of soliciting others to boycott the vote or submit invalid ballots during the upcoming 2025 Legislative Council General Election (LegCo). The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) confirmed the arrests stemming from online activity, stating the conduct potentially violates Section 27A of the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance (ECICO).
The detainees include two men and one woman, aged 55 to 66. The ICAC initiated the investigation after identifying digital content that allegedly urged electors to abstain from voting or deliberately cast spoiled ballots. This operation underscores the agency’s proactive approach to safeguarding the integrity of Hong Kong’s electoral process, particularly concerning digital dissemination of illicit content.
ICAC Enforces Strict Electoral Conduct Laws
The watchdog emphasized its zero-tolerance policy against any attempts to destabilize or undermine the LegCo election by spreading messages designed to incite voter abstention. As the primary authority responsible for enforcing the ECICO, the ICAC vowed firm and sustained measures to combat any behavior that could disrupt an election, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring a fair, open, and honest poll.
The recent arrests highlight the specific legal prohibition against specific types of online rhetoric during an election cycle. Section 27A of the ECICO, introduced in 2021, broadens the scope of illegal conduct to include public incitement not to vote or to intentionally cast void ballots. Significantly, the ICAC stated that merely reposting or sharing such inciting content is sufficient to constitute an offense under the law.
The agency reminded the public of its civic responsibilities, urging citizens to adhere strictly to electoral laws, verify the veracity of online information, and avoid inadvertently aiding those seeking to exploit the electoral process.
Legal Precedents and Commitment to Clean Elections
Following established statutory procedures, the ICAC is proceeding with inquiries. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the agency will seek comprehensive legal advice from the Department of Justice to determine whether formal prosecutions should be initiated.
The ICAC has a strong record of successful enforcement regarding this specific provision. Since Section 27A was enacted, the Commission has successfully prosecuted 12 individuals for related offenses. All 12 defendants were subsequently convicted and sentenced, establishing clear legal precedents for the offense.
With the crucial LegCo election drawing near, the ICAC stressed that participating in the electoral process is a civic duty. The Commission publicly committed to working with the community to ensure clean elections, promising decisive action against any interference designed to disrupt the process. These arrests serve as a potent warning about the illegality of attempting to subvert electoral participation through digital platforms.
The outcome of this case will further illuminate the jurisprudence surrounding online incitement during election periods in Hong Kong, setting important benchmarks for digital political discourse and accountability.