The government will hold a free concert on the eve of the upcoming December 7 legislative elections in an effort to encourage people to vote.
The concert, called “Let’s Vote, Together We Create the Future Gala,” will feature 70 singers and artists. It will take place at the AXA Wonderland at the West Kowloon Cultural District at 8pm on December 6, the night before the polls, the government announced at a Thursday press conference.
The concert will be jointly broadcast by seven stations: TVB, ViuTV, HOY TV, Phoenix Satellite Television, RTHK, Metro Broadcast, and Commercial Radio.
Authorities also unveiled an adapted version of the song Strong by Hong Kong singer Aaron Kwok, renamed for the turnout push to “Let’s Vote, Together We Create the Future.”
Turnout push
The move comes amid a broader move to boost the voter turnout for this year’s election, after the 2021 race – Hong Kong’s first after a Beijing-enacted electoral shake-up – saw a record low turnout of 30.2 per cent.
A similar concert was held in 2023 to boost the turnout for the District Council elections that year, which saw a record low turnout of 27.5 per cent. That year, top government officials downplayed the importance of voter turnout despite promoting the election extensively.
In March 2021, Beijing passed legislation to ensure “patriots” govern Hong Kong. The move reduced democratic representation in the legislature, tightened control of elections and introduced a pro-Beijing vetting panel to select candidates.
Authorities say the overhaul ensures the city’s stability and prosperity. But the changes also prompted international condemnation, as much of the traditional opposition remains behind bars, in self-exile or has quit politics.
The government is handing out subsidies to care homes to encourage residents to cast their ballots, while major charity groups and business chambers have urged employers to offer employees a half day off to vote.
A total of 161 candidates are vying for 90 seats in the second “all patriots” legislature. Following an electoral overhaul in 2021, only 20 lawmakers will be elected directly by around 4.14 million registered voters in their respective geographical constituencies.
Tickets for the gala concert will be distributed free of charge, with specific arrangements to be announced shortly, the government said.
A government spokesperson said the December poll marks a “significant milestone” in the city’s journey “from stability to prosperity,” and urged eligible voters citywide to cast their ballots on the election day.
