Hong Kong, Dec 07 (V7N)- Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous territory under Chinese administration, is holding local government elections even as the city mourns the victims of a devastating fire, Reuters reported on Sunday (December 7).

A total of 161 candidates are contesting for 90 seats in the local councils. In an effort to boost voter turnout, candidates and businesses have placed campaign posters across the city and are offering gifts and shopping discounts linked to the election.

As a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, Hong Kong enjoys certain autonomous powers, including its own legal, financial, taxation, and social policy systems. However, Beijing introduced sweeping changes to the region’s electoral framework in 2021. Under the revised rules, only candidates deemed “patriots” loyal to China are allowed to contest elections—significantly narrowing political participation.

The election takes place during a period of deep sorrow, as Hong Kong has declared three days of national mourning following the city’s deadliest fire in almost eight decades. The blaze, which erupted across several tower blocks on Wednesday (November 26), claimed at least 128 lives, while hundreds more remain missing. The tragedy has overshadowed election campaigning, with many candidates pausing events to pay tribute to the victims.

Authorities say the full investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

END/SMA/AJ