Hong Kong's Prominent Opposition Party Considers Dissolution
The Democratic Party of Hong Kong, the city's once most dominant opposition group, is considering dissolution. Party chairman, Lo Kin-hei, confirmed that a vote will soon be held among members to decide whether to disband the 31-year-old party. This move comes after the party has been fighting for survival amid China's intensified efforts to suppress dissent in the city following the protests in 2019.
Both Beijing and the Hong Kong administration have justified these actions as necessary for safeguarding national security. As part of these security measures, Beijing implemented comprehensive changes to the electoral systems of the former British colony. In 2021, the so-called "patriots law" was enacted in Hong Kong, allowing only those viewed as loyal to Beijing's Communist regime to serve as lawmakers or local councillors. This legislation effectively excluded the Democratic Party from participating in elections.
Lo Kin-hei, at a late-night press conference following a party meeting, announced the decision to consider dissolution due to the "current political landscape". He did not specify if the decision was influenced by political pressure. The party has initiated a work group to manage the dissolution process, with the move requiring at least 75% approval from members in an upcoming general meeting.
Hong Kong government adviser, Regina Ip, accused the Democratic Party of consistently creating trouble within and outside the parliament with their opposition to China. She also noted the party's declining support base in recent years.
In 2010, the Democratic Party made headlines for conducting rare direct discussions with the Liaison Office, the representative of China's Communist government in Hong Kong. These talks aimed at facilitating more liberal elections. However, the younger members of the party viewed this move as a betrayal, causing a rift and loss of support. Nevertheless, the party managed to bounce back and emerged as the city's most potent opposition force after winning the most seats in the 2019 local council elections.
Several Democratic Party members, including notable pro-democracy activists Helena Wong, Lam Cheuk-ting, Wu Chi-wai, and Albert Ho, are among the 47 campaigners imprisoned under the contentious national security law. Another party member, former legislator Ted Hui, is currently in exile in Australia. He is wanted by the Hong Kong government for alleged national security offences. His assets and money in Hong Kong have been ordered to be seized by a court.
In an additional blow, Martin Lee KC, a founding member of the Democratic Party, was stripped of his honorary Justice of the Peace title by Hong Kong after his appeal against a conviction for unauthorized assembly was unsuccessful.