Election apathy is inevitable when voters are denied a free choice

On the eve of Hong Kong's District Council election, drones illuminated the night sky with a message: 'Vote tomorrow. ' However, the majority of the city's registered voters disregarded this call. The voter turnout for the election was a mere 27. 54 per cent, marking the lowest since Hong Kong's reintegration with China 26 years prior. This unprecedented level of voter apathy was anticipated. The election was the first following a significant overhaul of the system, ensuring only 'patriots' could run for office. Not a single opposition candidate managed to secure enough nominations to compete, leaving voters with a choice between contenders from the pro-establishment camp. Many perceived this as a lack of choice.

The reduction of directly-elected seats from nearly 95 per cent to 19 per cent, with the remainder appointed by the government or selected by committees filled with its supporters, further diminished interest. The government went to extraordinary lengths to encourage voter participation. Public appeals, posters, television advertisements, and social media posts were employed, culminating in a 'District Council Election Fun Day' featuring concerts, exhibitions, and fairs. Despite these efforts, the turnout fell more than eight percentage points short of the previous low in 1999.

This is a stark contrast to the last District Council election in 2019, which occurred amidst anti-government protests and saw a record turnout of 71. 23 per cent, with the opposition claiming a landslide victory. The government attempted to put a positive spin on the lack of enthusiasm. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu described the turnout as 'good. ' Some had predicted it could plummet as low as 20 per cent. However, when voters are denied a free choice and the influence of those they elect is significantly reduced, apathy is inevitable. Opposition supporters expressed their disapproval of the reforms by abstaining from voting.