The central government authorities extended warm congratulations on Monday to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for the successful completion of the 7th District Council (DC) Election, marking another significant milestone in local governance. Despite the city’s positive atmosphere, some Western media outlets continued to exaggerate the “record-low” turnout, a claim rebuked by political figures and experts.
On Monday morning, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council (HKMAO), the liaison office of the central government in Hong Kong, the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the central government in Hong Kong, and the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong congratulated the 176 district councilors from district committees and 88 local district councilors elected during the 7th DC Election.
Official data revealed that 1.19 million Hong Kong residents cast their votes on Sunday, constituting an accumulative turnout of 27.54 percent. This election, the first under the new DC system introduced through electoral reform, emphasizes the principle that only patriots should administer Hong Kong.
The HKMAO emphasized that the new DC system effectively prevents anti-China disruptors from entering the DC, putting an end to attempts by external forces, including the US and the West, to seize the governance of the HKSAR through elections. The restructured DC, operating as an “advisory and assisting administration,” strengthens administrative leadership, enhances governance efficiency, and fosters good governance.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokespersons expressed confidence in the newly elected district councilors, anticipating their positive contribution to grassroots governance improvement. District councilor Chan Chi Ho noted that this election, unlike its highly political predecessor in 2019, focused on comparisons in community services and candidates’ abilities, promoting community construction and residents’ welfare.
While some Western media outlets criticized the low turnout and the absence of opposition candidates, the Commissioner’s Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong strongly condemned the slander and smear campaign, stating it grossly interfered in Hong Kong and China’s internal affairs. Observers contend that the turnout rate, under challenging circumstances, should not be considered low, as the absence of anti-China elements was a positive outcome.
Experts suggest that the most significant aspect of this DC election is the consolidation of the paradigm of “patriots administering Hong Kong,” contributing to the reshaping of the city’s governance structure for long-term peace and stability.