Editorial | Residents must cast their vote if elections are to be meaningful
- Hong Kong’s polls, although much changed, continue to perform an important function. But they must appeal to the public, especially the young
The credibility of any election, whatever form it takes, is boosted by having a sufficient number of interested and engaged voters. This is why those eligible to vote are encouraged to register and participate in Hong Kong’s polls.
Provisional figures published last week by the Registration and Electoral Office revealed the number of voters had declined for two successive years after peaking in 2021.
New applications in geographical constituencies have fallen to 31,300, down from almost 36,000 last year. Worryingly, the number of new voters among the youngest age group, 18-20, is, at 5,810, less than half the figure recorded in 2022.
Overall, the number of registered voters fell by 1.87 per cent, with a 10.39 per cent net loss among those 30 or younger. The decline is partly due to an exodus of residents from Hong Kong, with a net outflow of 60,000 last year.
Meanwhile, sweeping reforms of the election system are likely to have dampened enthusiasm. A new system ensuring only “patriots” govern Hong Kong was introduced in response to often-violent anti-government protests in 2019. The role of direct elections has been significantly reduced and candidates are screened. There is hardly any opposition.
Voting, however, remains an important right. Greater effort must be made to ensure the public understands the new system and to encourage residents to both register and cast their ballot.
