Hong Kong polls: Deadly fire, heavy mood predict low voter turnout

• Hong Kong's "patriots only" legislative election is expected to see low voter turnout.
• The low turnout is largely due to public mourning and anger over a recent deadly fire that killed 159 people.
• Campaigning was subdued, with some residents calling for the election's postponement amid the city's heavy mood.
• Authorities urged participation for post-disaster reconstruction, while arrests were made for inciting vote boycotts.
• The election takes place under national security crackdowns and electoral reforms limiting democratic participation.

Why It Matters: Hong Kong's low election turnout reveals deep public dissatisfaction and restricted democracy.