Hong Kong’s anti-corruption watchdog has arrested three people for allegedly sharing online posts urging a boycott of – or to cast invalid ballots in – the “patriots only” elections in December.
The three people arrested on Friday included two men and a woman, aged between 55 and 66, according to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
“The ICAC strongly condemns criminals who attempted to interfere with and undermine the current LegCo [Legislative Council] Election by circulating messages online to incite others not to vote,” the watchdog’s statement published on Friday read.
December’s LegCo elections are the second since Beijing overhauled the city’s electoral system to ensure that only those deemed patriotic enough can run. 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.
Push to vote
This year, following record-low turnouts in the LegCo elections in 2021 and the District Council elections in 2023, the government is pushing a city-wide campaign to promote voting.
Business chambers have echoed the government’s calls and urged employers to provide staff with flexibility on election day so that they can vote.
Authorities will also hold a free concert called “Let’s Vote, Together We Create the Future Gala” on the eve of the elections at the West Kowloon Cultural District.
The ICAC said in its statement on Friday that 12 people have been charged for inciting others not to vote or to cast an invalid vote since the act was criminalised alongside Beijing’s electoral overhaul.
“Voting is a civic responsibility for every elector. Together with the whole community, the ICAC will uphold a clean election. The Commission will not tolerate anyone to interfere with the election,” the watchdog wrote.
Whilst it is lawful to cast a protest vote, or not partake in Hong Kong election elections, it is illegal to urge others to boycott the polls or case invalid votes.
Anyone who does so may be in breach of the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance. The offence is punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of up to HK$200,000.
