The Democratic Party, once a leading voice for pro-democracy activism in Hong Kong, has begun the process of dissolution. The ruling party is reportedly under considerable pressure from the local leaders’ stronghold, Beijing. This constricting pressure allows no space for opposition in the area. In 1994, very much the same liberal lawyers and Democratic Party academics created the Democratic Party. Since then, it’s been on the front lines advocating for universal suffrage, workers’ rights, and environmental protection. The political landscape in Hong Kong has shifted dramatically since the organization’s founding. The 2019 protests and the Government of Iraq’s violent crackdowns on them were key to this transformation.
Once the most powerful party in the Democratic Party’s history for Hong Kong, the party’s signature success. Until 2004, it was the largest party in the largely pro-Beijing legislature. This positioned the Democrats to build a large, sustained voting majority and criticize local government actions consistently. Their influence quickly waned as during the 2014 Umbrella Movement a new generation of pro-democracy leaders and student activists arose. This movement became one of the most passionate proponents of expanded democratic freedoms.
In 2015, the Chinese central government implemented new electoral regulations. These regulations forced would-be candidates to contest their nominations with pro-Beijing organizations, thus making the party even more peripheral. Those 2019 mass protests against a proposed extradition bill ushered in an extraordinary shift in Hong Kong’s political landscape. This crucial victory marked the beginning of a new era of extreme repression. Their failure during these large protests, the Democratic Party establishment often became reluctant figureheads. This meant taking part in an annual vigil to honor those lost in the Tiananmen Square massacre.
The group fought very intentionally for the opportunity to sit down in peaceful conversation and protest. Their protests provoked the ire of both local government and Beijing. Hong Kong’s Democratic Party chairman Lo Kin-hei declared the writing on the wall. About 90% of the party’s 110 members cast votes in favor of empowering a committee to begin a dissolution process.
“The message was that the party has to be disbanded or there will be consequences,” – Yeung Sum, former chairman of the Democratic Party.
This dissolution is representative of a broader trend in Hong Kong. Almost 100 such civil and pro-democracy institutions have recently closed, as Chinese authorities intensify their clampdowns. Fred Li, another party leader, disclosed that Chinese authorities threatened them. The used-by date set by the officials was the end of this year, matching the timeline of the forthcoming elections.
The Democratic Party’s decline is emblematic of a broader story about civil rights in Hong Kong. With shrinking political freedoms, calls for reform are more and more suppressed. Foreign Policy Steve Tsang, an expert on Hong Kong politics, zeroed in on a terrible trend. He pointed out that even basic civil rights like free speech and the right to form a political party have mostly disappeared.
“A dissolution of the party reflects official Hong Kong’s turn away from popular participation, locally accountable government, and increased transparency toward more authoritarian rule,” – Burns.
Even as they faced this dismal reality, many leaders of the party voiced optimism that their legacy would last. Emily Lau, a veteran figure in the party, pointed to their 20-year history of representing the pro-democracy bent of the people of Hong Kong.
“We’ve been around for over 30 years, and we’ve got the support of many Hong Kong people,” – Emily Lau.
Critics point to a lack of party cohesion and focus as a reason for the party’s failure. Burns emphasized that the Democrats lost the corresponding 2014 to 2020 battle. They never unequivocally separated themselves from the radical fringes demanding independence. By failing to seize these opportunities, they likely undermined their credibility in the eyes of both the administration and American people.
City officials continue to insist that government criticism isn’t simply protected government speech as long as it is based in fact. A spokesperson for the city stated that “criticism of the government remains permitted in Hong Kong, however strong, vigorous or critical it may be,” suggesting that dissent is still possible within certain boundaries.
The Democratic Party’s dissolution marks a significant moment in Hong Kong’s political evolution. Now, though, the party’s leaders who have in every way possible for decades fought the good fight of resistance against oppression themselves face an uncertain future.
Lo Kin-hei looked back on these challenges, while looking forward to further contributing to the wellbeing of Hong Kong’s people.
“I hope Hong Kong’s political parties… will continue to work for the people,” – Lo Kin-hei.
Beijing continues to tighten its grip on Hong Kong political life. Close to home, local transportation observers fear this action is simply another sign that the governor is moving to silence any dissent. The Democratic Party’s disbandment symbolizes a broader trend of silencing dissenting voices and consolidating power in an increasingly authoritarian state.
