HK 'Patriots Only' Election: Low Turnout, Invalid Ballots Deliver Silent Rebuke

• Hong Kong's December 7, 2025 Legislative Council election featured only government-vetted "patriot" candidates.
• Voter turnout was a near record low of 31.9%, with 69.1% of registered voters abstaining.
• Over 41,000 invalid ballots were cast, representing more than 3.1% of total votes and the highest number since 1997.
• The low turnout and high invalid vote count are interpreted as a silent protest against Beijing's influence.
• The revised electoral system significantly reduced directly elected seats, ensuring pro-Beijing dominance in the 90-seat LegCo.

Why It Matters: Hong Kong's election results reveal widespread silent protest against Beijing's control.