HONG KONG — The League of Social Democrats, a prominent pro-democracy party in Hong Kong, announced its disbandment on Sunday, marking another significant development in the ongoing suppression of dissent within the city. This decision comes against the backdrop of a sweeping crackdown on political opposition following the widespread anti-government protests in 2019.
In the aftermath of these protests, several leading activists have faced prosecution or imprisonment under a stringent national security law introduced by Beijing in 2020. In this climate, numerous civil society organizations have been disbanded, and critical media outlets have been forced to close. The League of Social Democrats was notable for maintaining its presence through occasional small-scale street protests and advocacy activities, despite the associated risks.
Chan Po-ying, the chairperson of the League, explained that the decision to disband was a result of thoughtful consideration, particularly in light of the potential repercussions for its members. While she did not detail the specific pressures faced by the party, she expressed pride in the party’s contributions to the democratic movement in Hong Kong.
“We have remained faithful to our initial goals, retaining the trust of those who have been imprisoned,” Chan stated. “Although the decision to disband causes us a deep sense of loss, we see no alternative,” she added.
The once-frequent public demonstrations in Hong Kong have become scarce as Beijing’s influence has tightened. The city, which transitioned back to Chinese control from Britain in 1997, previously witnessed annual pro-democracy rallies and various protests demanding better governance. However, these events have diminished following the disbandment of organizing groups and the incarceration of key activists. Critics argue that the political landscape altered by the national security law reflects a retreat from the promised freedoms to be preserved until 2047.
Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong defend the national security law as essential for maintaining stability. Notably, a Chinese official responsible for overseeing Hong Kong affairs conveyed in 2023 that protesting is not the sole method for expressing public opinion, indicating Beijing’s perspective on demonstrations in the city.
Earlier in the year, the Democratic Party, Hong Kong’s largest pro-democracy entity, authorized its leadership to explore the possibility of disbandment. Some party members indicated that they had been cautioned about consequences should the party continue its activities. A conclusive vote on this matter is anticipated in the future.
Chan expressed her belief that the “one country, two systems” principle, which governs Hong Kong’s relationship with Beijing, has effectively ended. She cited the national security law and the concept of “soft resistance” — a term used by officials to describe more subtle security risks — as evidence of this shift. “It has transitioned to one country, one system,” she remarked.
Founded in 2006, the League of Social Democrats was characterized by its leftist ideology and its resistance to what it viewed as the alliance between government and corporate interests. The party dedicated itself to advocating for the rights of disadvantaged citizens and was known for employing confrontational tactics, such as hurling objects like bananas, eggs, and luncheon meat at officials and pro-Beijing lawmakers. Its platform endorsed non-violent resistance, while also not eschewing physical confrontation — a philosophy that differentiated it from more conservative pro-democracy groups.
At one time, the League held three legislative seats, with Leung Kwok-hung, Chan’s husband, being its longest-serving lawmaker. However, Leung was disqualified from his legislative position in 2017 due to his conduct during the oath-taking ceremony.
The party’s aggressive activism frequently led to the arrest and imprisonment of its members. Notably, Leung and Jimmy Sham, a former leader and LGBTQ+ activist, received lengthy prison sentences for their involvement in an unofficial primary election, which was scrutinized under the national security law. Last month, Sham was released from prison.
In recent years, the League’s political influence has dwindled, as it no longer holds seats in the legislature or district councils. The party even faced challenges in maintaining a bank account as financial institutions ceased providing services. Despite these hurdles, the League managed to conduct small-scale protests, enduring arrests and fines on multiple occasions.
During a press conference on Sunday, Chan was visibly emotional, wiping away tears while standing with fellow members as they chanted their slogans. Although she is not optimistic about the immediate future of democracy in Hong Kong, she remains hopeful that individuals will continue to keep the flame of democracy alive.
“The path forward is filled with challenges,” she acknowledged. “I aspire for everyone to become like embers, flying sparks that persist in glowing, maintaining the light, no matter how small it might be.”