The Democratic Party’s central committee made the resolution to form a task force to explore the procedures required for disbanding the party. Any conclusive decision, however, must receive the endorsement of the party’s membership.
Lo Kin-hei, the party chairperson, addressed the media later that day, emphasizing that the decision was influenced by the prevailing political atmosphere and societal conditions, adding that the party is not currently facing significant financial strains. “It’s unfortunate that we’re heading in this direction. Every member truly values the Democratic Party’s presence in Hong Kong,” he remarked.
Established in 1994, the Democratic Party constitutes a rare voice for pro-democracy advocacy in Hong Kong, which has witnessed a severe crackdown on political activism from the Chinese central government. This surge in repression erupted after extensive protests by Hong Kong citizens four years ago.
Prominent figures affiliated with the party include Martin Lee, often referred to as the “Father of Democracy” in Hong Kong, Albert Ho, who was the head of a now-disbanded organization that held vigils for the Tiananmen Square incident, and journalist-turned-activist Emily Lau. Historically, the party has been viewed as a moderate opposition force with friendly relations with officials in Beijing, though its more radical members have criticized it for being overly conciliatory.
However, the political landscape in Hong Kong shifted dramatically following the 2019 protests, which prompted the Beijing government to implement a national security law. Authorities defended the law as crucial for the stability of Hong Kong.
Since the enactment of this law in 2020, numerous civil society organizations have been forced to close, including the territory’s second-largest pro-democracy party and a long-established group responsible for commemorating the Tiananmen crackdown annually. Many activists, including some from the Democratic Party, faced legal repercussions under the security law, while others were coerced into exile or silence.
Last year, some former members of the party were found guilty and sentenced for their involvement in an unofficial primary related to the city’s major national security case. This ruling was met with disapproval from foreign nations, although Beijing reaffirmed its legitimacy.
In recent times, the Democratic Party’s influence in Hong Kong politics has substantially waned following an overhaul of electoral regulations, which the authorities claimed were necessary to ensure that “patriots” governed the region, effectively preventing pro-democracy candidates from vying for positions in district councils.
Despite these challenging dynamics, the party has continued its advocacy work, conducting media briefings on issues affecting the local populace and even offering feedback on proposed national security legislation before its introduction in March.
During the press conference, Lo asserted that any decision to dissolve the party would require at least 75% approval from attendees at a general assembly, comprising around 400 members, although not all typically participate in such meetings. He disclosed that the party had seen both successful and unsuccessful attempts in the past to amend its constitution through member votes.
When sovereignty over Hong Kong was transferred from Britain to China in 1997, the principle of “one country, two systems” was conceived to safeguard Western-style freedoms and autonomy absent in mainland China. However, Lo noted that interpretations of this framework may differ between his party and the Beijing administration. He expressed hope for the coexistence of diverse perspectives within society, asserting that progress is fostered by varied opinions.
“The journey toward democracy is often fraught with challenges,” Lo stated. “I maintain faith in the resilience of Hong Kong citizens; they will always find ways to navigate pressing issues.”
