Hong Kong authorities detained a 68-year-old man on Tuesday for allegedly publishing social media messages that encouraged citizens to boycott or submit invalid ballots in the forthcoming 2025 Legislative Council (LegCo) election. The arrest, conducted by the National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force, highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to monitor online activity deemed to incite sedition or interfere with the electoral process. The individual is suspected of breaching both national security restrictions and established anti-corruption election ordinances.
The arrest on November 18 follows an extensive police investigation into a local social media account that had reportedly been disseminating messages with “seditious intent” since September of last year. According to police statements, the content was designed to provoke hostility and contempt toward the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, its judiciary, and various law enforcement agencies. Specifically, recent posts allegedly exhorted the public to either refrain from voting or intentionally cast blank ballots during the upcoming polls.
Upon identifying the alleged perpetrator, police took the 68-year-old man into custody for suspected offenses, including “acts with seditious intent” under the national security framework and violations of the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance. Digital devices were seized during the operation, and investigators have indicated that additional arrests in connection with the case remain possible.
Authorities further detailed that since July of the previous year, the suspect had allegedly posted approximately 160 online messages. These communications purportedly aimed to undermine the established electoral system, reignite civil unrest, and foment antagonism against government institutions. Officials also cited instances where the suspect allegedly attempted to solicit foreign interference in local affairs.
Severe Penalties for Election Interference
This arrest is part of a broader crackdown on activities perceived to disrupt the electoral integrity. Police statistics indicate that as of November 18, 14 criminal cases related to the upcoming LegCo election have been detected, including incidents of theft and vandalism. These investigations have resulted in 18 arrests so far, with formal charges filed against eight individuals. Separately, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) recently arrested three individuals for similar online activities promoting election boycotts or blank-vote campaigns.
Law enforcement officials have issued stern warnings regarding the illegality of attempting to subvert the election. Encouraging abstention or the submission of invalid votes, or publishing other seditious materials, constitutes a serious offense in the HKSAR. Conviction for sedition under the national security framework can lead to a maximum prison sentence of seven years. Furthermore, offenses specifically related to unlawful conduct under the electoral ordinance carry penalties of up to three years in prison and a fine of HK$200,000.
Authorities emphasized that participating in the election is recognized as a fundamental civic responsibility. The police, in cooperation with the ICAC and the public, have reaffirmed their joint commitment to ensuring the 2025 Legislative Council election proceeds smoothly, fairly, and without unauthorized interference. This commitment underscores the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward any form of political disruption deemed to violate both security and election laws.