Hong Kong's Largest Pro-Democracy Party Votes to Disband After 30 Years

Hong Kong's Democratic Party, the largest pro-democracy group in the region, voted Sunday to dissolve after more than three decades of activism. This marks a significant shift in Hong Kong's once diverse political landscape.

Lo Kin-hei, chairperson of the Democratic Party, cited the current political environment as a key factor in the decision. Approximately 97% of the members who voted supported the liquidation, which Lo Kin-hei described as the best path forward for its members.

"Yet as the times have shifted, we now, with deep regret, must bring this chapter to a close," Lo Kin-hei stated.

Sources within the party told the Associated Press that some members had been warned of potential consequences if the party did not shut down.

The party's dissolution reflects the shrinking freedoms in Hong Kong since its transfer to Chinese rule in 1997.

**Beijing's Crackdown: Arrests and Closures**

Following large anti-government protests in 2019, China imposed a national security law in June 2020. The Chinese government stated that this law was necessary to stabilize the city. Since the law's implementation, numerous leading activists have been arrested, including former Democratic Party chairs Albert Ho and Wu Chi-wai, as well as other former lawmakers.

Jimmy Lai, the founder of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, also faces charges under the national security law, with a verdict expected Monday. Apple Daily was among several independent media outlets that have been shut down in recent years.

In addition to political parties and media outlets, dozens of civil society groups have also been forced to close, including the second-largest pro-democracy.