Hong Kongs last major pro-democracy party moves to disband
NBC1 day ago
Hong Kong's Largest Pro-Democracy Party Moves to Dissolve
Above: Lo Kin-hei (2R), chairman of Hong Kong's Democratic Party, and other senior leaders attend a press conference at the party's headquarters in Hong Kong on Feb. 20, 2025. Image copyright: Holmes Chan/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
The Democratic Party of Hong Kong, founded in 1994, announced on Thursday that its central committee would establish a task force to explore dissolution procedures. For final disbandment, the party would require 75% approval from its members at a future general assembly.
Party chairman Lo Kin-hei cited the "overall political environment" as the primary factor behind the dissolution decision. However, he said that the party's finances remained relatively stable.
This follows Beijing's implementation of the 2020 national security law and subsequent electoral system changes, which effectively barred pro-democracy candidates from running for office and led to the loss of all its legislative seats.
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
The Democratic Party's potential dissolution represents the systematic dismantling of Hong Kong's democratic institutions and civil liberties — effectively silencing political opposition and ending the territory's tradition of diverse political voices, marking a significant departure from the promised 'One Country, Two Systems' framework.
Pro-China narrative
The Democratic Party's decline stems from its role in fostering social unrest, maintaining questionable foreign connections, and consistently opposing vital infrastructure projects that benefit Hong Kong's development. This makes its dissolution necessary for maintaining stability and national security.