HK Election Turnout 31.4% Edges Up Amid Deadly Fire Anger, Beijing's New System

• Hong Kong's legislative election saw a 31.4% voter turnout, slightly up from 2021 but significantly lower than pre-reform levels.
• The election was held under an overhauled system requiring candidates to be Beijing loyalists, effectively sidelining the opposition.
• Public anger over a deadly apartment fire that killed 159 people influenced voter sentiment and government efforts to boost participation.
• China's national security arm warned foreign media against interfering in Hong Kong affairs or spreading "false information" about the election and fire relief.
• The new electoral system reduced directly elected seats from 70 to 20 out of 90, with most seats chosen by pro-Beijing committees or industry groups.

Why It Matters: Hong Kong's election turnout reveals public sentiment on Beijing's tightened control.