Hong Kong Election Sees Record Invalid Votes Amid 'Patriots Only' System

• Hong Kong's Legislative Council election saw a record high of over 41,000 invalid votes (3.1% of total), the highest since 1997.
• This surge in invalid ballots is interpreted as a protest against the redesigned electoral system, which ensures only "patriots" are elected.
• Voter turnout was 31.90%, the second-lowest since 1997, significantly down from 58.28% in 2016 before the "patriots only" rule.
• The total invalid votes exceeded the valid votes received by 11 winning candidates in geographic constituencies.
• Despite officials calling the election a success, 11 people were arrested for allegedly inciting others not to vote.

Why It Matters: High invalid votes in Hong Kong elections signal public rejection of the new system.