Hong Kong is holding its Legislative Council general election today, December 7, 2025, offering citizens a significantly expanded window to cast their ballots. An extensive 16-hour voting period—two hours longer than the previous election—commenced at 7:30 a.m., with 615 ordinary polling stations designated to remain open until 11:30 p.m. Despite the extended hours, early turnout figures reveal a nuanced picture, with overall ballots cast trailing the previous contest at the five-hour mark, even as the initial participation rate improved slightly.
By noon, initial reports indicated that geographical constituency turnout had reached 12.99%, marking a modest 0.91 percentage point increase compared to the corresponding period in the last election. However, the raw count of ballots cast totaled 536,527, which is 3,809 fewer votes than were recorded five hours into the previous electoral cycle. This data suggests that while a marginally higher percentage of eligible voters participated initially, the overall volume of participation has yet to meet previous levels.
Logistics and Logistics Adjustments
To accommodate essential workers and vulnerable residents, the electoral procedures included establishing dedicated polling sites for civil servants, healthcare professionals, and individuals residing in care facilities.
The election logistics faced unexpected challenges following a recent fire in the Tai Po district. Officials swiftly implemented contingency plans, resulting in the necessary relocation of three polling stations in the area. Voters affected by these changes, including residents of Wang Fuk Court, were promptly redirected to newly designated voting locations to ensure seamless participation.
Campaign Dynamics and Candidate Stances
The election atmosphere has been characterized by intense campaigning and closely contested races across various districts. Gary Chan, the prominent chairman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), campaigned actively in Sha Tin this morning as he seeks re-election in the New Territories North East constituency.
Chan addressed supporters regarding the political climate, acknowledging that the contest was tight and urging early voting. He also touched upon his party facing what he described as online smears and rumors circulating during the campaign period.
When questioned about his Tai Po colleague, Peggy Wong, who is currently involved in a building management dispute that reportedly has links to the recent fire tragedy, Chan confirmed that her campaign activities were ongoing “in her own way” and had not been halted. He stressed the party’s official stance, reiterating that the DAB would not tolerate or condone any unlawful conduct by its members.
Looking Ahead
With a large portion of the day’s voting remaining, observers anticipate the extended 16-hour voting window will ultimately boost the final turnout figures. Attention now shifts to the closing of the polls later this evening and the subsequent ballot counting process, which will determine the composition of the next Legislative Council. The results will offer significant insight into the public sentiment and the evolving political landscape of Hong Kong. Registered voters are encouraged to utilize the remaining hours to exercise their democratic right.