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Letters | A Brexit lesson for Hong Kong: value your vote and think before you act

  • Democracy is a beautiful thing, it allows us to have our say
  • But with great power comes great responsibility

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Demonstrators make their feelings plain during an anti-Brexit march in London on October 20. Photo: Bloomberg
I refer to the article, “Hundreds of thousands take to streets demanding second Brexit vote” (October 21). The turmoil faced by Britain teaches us a valuable lesson in civic responsibility.
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It seems like some Britons thought the Brexit vote in 2016 was merely a fantasy and decided to vote “yes” just for the fun of it. Now they are demanding a second vote.

This should be a reminder to Hongkongers: treasure your ballots. Democracy is a beautiful thing, it allows us to have our say. We shape the parliament that works for us and we are the ultimate decision-makers in our society. In casting our ballots, we wield the power to vote someone out of office or usher our representative into the Legislative Council.

But with great power comes great responsibility. We have to be wary of politics. We must do our own research and carefully weigh what’s best for us before casting our votes. Regardless of your stance, liberal or conservative, this step is a must.

Ballots ready to be counted at a Legislative Council by-election counting station, in Kowloon Tong on March 11. Photo: Felix Wong
Ballots ready to be counted at a Legislative Council by-election counting station, in Kowloon Tong on March 11. Photo: Felix Wong
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You should be the sole deciding person for your vote. Do not vote for someone because he promised a free holiday. Do not vote for someone because he received celebrity endorsement. Choose your candidate based on their policies and courtesy. This is how we achieve true democracy and not regret the decisions we made years ago.

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