At least nine legislators in Hong Kong have declared their intention not to participate in the upcoming “patriots-only” legislative election scheduled for December. Among them is Tik Chi-yuen, the only self-proclaimed non-establishment lawmaker currently serving on the council.
Seven additional lawmakers made public announcements between Friday and Sunday that they would not seek re-election, just two weeks before the LegCo election nomination period is set to begin on October 24. Legislative President Andrew Leung and five-term legislator Ma Fung-kwok had previously stated they would not run for another term.
Tik confirmed his decision not to join the legislative race on Friday night following a meeting with members of his party, Third Side, as reported by local media. The party, which describes itself as moderate, may choose from among three younger members to field a candidate, according to HK01.
Tik told Ming Pao on Saturday that he did not receive any “instruction” that lawmakers who frequently criticized the government during their term were not allowed to stay on. This was also not the reason for his decision, he said. He mentioned that he had intended to run alongside a new candidate from his party, but Third Side could only field one candidate due to limited resources. Several young party members were interested in running, so the party opted for “succession” instead, Tik added.
On Saturday, veteran lawmakers Chan Kin-por and Tommy Cheung Yu-yan announced they would not seek re-election. Both are in their 70s and expressed a desire to give opportunities to younger individuals.
Cheung, who joined the city’s legislature in 2000 and represents the catering constituency, shared his decision in a video posted on Facebook. He stated that he decided not to seek re-election after considering the development of One Country, Two Systems and the needs of the sector he represented. He also discussed it with members of his political party, the Liberal Party, as well as his family, friends, and business partners.
In a video accompanying his post, the 76-year-old lawmaker referenced his age, saying he often introduced himself as the “oldest and longest-serving legislator” to guests visiting the LegCo. He said stepping down would give young and capable talent “more opportunities to grow.”
“I am very grateful for the support and affection shown to me by the catering industry and the people of Hong Kong,” Cheung’s Chinese Facebook post read.
“I will continue to be a voice for the industry and the public, contributing to Hong Kong’s development and exerting my personal efforts for One Country, Two Systems,” wrote Cheung, who is also a member of the Executive Council (ExCo) – a board of advisers for the city’s leader.
Legislator Chan, who has served in the LegCo since 2008 representing the insurance sector, said on Facebook that it was time for him to “pass the baton” to other capable individuals who aspire to serve the sector. The 71-year-old legislator and ExCo member said he saw Hong Kong’s transformation “from chaos to prosperity” during his terms and was happy to see the current administration’s “innovative” approach in resolving deep-rooted issues in the city.
“I sincerely hope that more young people will join the new Legislative Council to both cultivate governance talent and, at the same time, monitor and assist the government’s administration,” Chan’s post read.
Kennedy Wong, who joined LegCo in 2022, also announced on Saturday that he would not stay on. Wong, who represents the import and export constituency, said he wanted to “focus more energy” on his duties as a Hong Kong deputy to the National People’s Congress and as chairperson of the Hong Kong Baptist University Council.
On Sunday, legislator Gary Zhang said in a statement on Facebook that he would not run in the next LegCo race due to “family reasons.” He said it was his “greatest honour” to have “earned the trust of our country and the support of our citizens” over the past four years.
In 2023, Zhang helped around 30 individuals arrested for offences related to the 2019 extradition bill protests to obtain a Home Return Permit, allowing them to visit family in mainland China.
“I was not born in Hong Kong, but having had the opportunity to study, start a family, and build a career here, I have always been deeply grateful for the people and everything this place has offered,” Zhang wrote in his Chinese post.
Another five-term legislator and ExCo member Jeffrey Lam announced on Facebook on Sunday afternoon that he will be leaving the legislature as well to give young people more opportunities to serve members of the public.
On Sunday night, Connie Lam, who was elected in the New Territories South geographical constituency, announced on Facebook that she would not join the next election. Lam said she had dedicated most of her time to LegCo and district work, but she wanted to return to her profession as a social worker and pursue a postdoctoral degree. She added that her four years of experience as a legislator would help her serve members of the public in the future.
Local media reported on speculation that around one-third of current legislators might not be staying. Some reports suggested that securing another term could hinge on passing an informal “assessment” by the chief executive. Unnamed sources told local media that senior government officials have written reports on certain legislators – reports that could influence their future in LegCo. There was also speculation that lawmakers who reached 70 might not stay on.
The December 7 polls will be the second LegCo elections since Beijing passed a resolution in 2021 to overhaul Hong Kong’s electoral system to ensure only “patriots” hold power in the legislature. The 90 legislative seats comprise 20 seats from geographical constituencies; 30 seats filled by representatives from special interest groups known as “functional constituencies”; and 40 from the Election Committee, the powerful electoral body that chooses the city’s chief executive.
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. The Hong Kong government said the overhaul would ensure the city’s stability and prosperity. But the changes also prompted international condemnation, as it makes it near-impossible for pro-democracy candidates to stand.