On Sunday, Hong Kong's largest pro-democracy party, the Democratic Party, voted overwhelmingly to dissolve after over 30 years of activism. This decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing transformation of the political landscape in the Chinese semiautonomous city, which has experienced a staggering decline in political diversity.
Lo Kin-hei, the chairperson of the Democratic Party, announced that approximately 97% of member ballots supported the dissolution. He expressed regret over the necessity of this action, stating, "Yet as the times have shifted, we now, with deep regret, must bring this chapter to a close." The decision was influenced by the current political environment and social conditions, with reports indicating some members faced threats if the party did not disband.
The dissolution of the Democratic Party epitomizes the erosion of the freedoms that were once promised to Hong Kong during its return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. This decline has been exacerbated by a national security law imposed by China in June 2020, a response to widespread anti-government protests that took place in 2019. This law has resulted in the arrests of numerous prominent activists, including former Democratic Party leaders Albert Ho and Wu Chi-wai.
Jimmy Lai, the founder of the pro-democracy media outlet Apple Daily, was also charged under the national security law and is awaiting a verdict. The shutdowns of many independent media outlets, including Apple Daily, demonstrate the tightening grip on freedom of expression in Hong Kong. Since the crackdown began, various civil society groups have dissolved, including the Civic Party, the second-largest pro-democracy party, and groups previously known for organizing vigils for the Tiananmen Square crackdown.
In June, the League of Social Democrats announced its closure due to immense political pressure, highlighting the increasing challenges faced by pro-democracy entities in Hong Kong.
Founded in 1994, the Democratic Party positioned itself as a moderate opposition force advocating for universal suffrage to elect the city's leader. Its leadership has included notable figures such as Martin Lee, who is often called the "father of democracy," and journalist-turned-activist Emily Lau. Historically, the party held several legislative positions and directly elected numerous district councilors, playing a crucial role in community issues.
The Democratic Party's influence began to wane as newer pro-democracy groups emerged. However, the protests in 2019 rekindled public support for the party. Nevertheless, in light of the ongoing crackdown, the party has shifted toward functioning more like a pressure group. The electoral reforms implemented in recent years have effectively sidelined pro-democracy politicians, leading the Democratic Party to focus on pressing civic issues through press conferences and submitting opinions on legislative measures, including a homegrown national security law soon to be enacted in March 2024.
Earlier this year, the party commenced discussions on the procedures for its dissolution and garnered its members' mandate to advance this process. The Democratic Party's closure symbolizes both a personal loss for its members and a broader commentary on the diminishing space for political dissent in Hong Kong.
