Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR

Rule Changes

Using national security mandate to police speech, activism and media around the fire and elections

Since 2021, Beijing has reshaped Hong Kong’s electoral system to ensure only pre-vetted “patriots” can run for office, slashing directly elected seats and purging opposition. The second Legislative Council election under these rules on December 7, 2025, recorded a turnout of about 31.9%—the second-lowest on record—amid grief over the Wang Fuk Court fire two weeks prior, signaling ongoing public disengagement despite government efforts to boost participation.

Updated Feb 6