After the implementation of the National Security Act, many citizen groups in Hong Kong were forced to dissolve.
The Democrats, Hong Kong’s largest democratic organisation, have announced their decision to dissolve on February 20th.
It follows reports from several Hong Kong media claiming that Beijing-backed “messengers” have advised the party to dissolve. Democratic Party chairman Lo Kin-Hei said the decision to disband was taken into account the current political situation.
The Democratic Central Committee held a meeting on February 20th to discuss future directions. After the meeting, Democrats announced the establishment of a group of three to follow up on the dissolution and liquidation process. Members include Chairman Lo Kin-Hei, Vice-Chair Mok Kin-Shing and Secretary-General Leung Wing-Kuen.
Lo said the dissolution must be decided at a meeting with all party members present and requires 75% approval from participants.
Many Hong Kong media reports that Democrats have recently received “suggestions” for disbanding from individuals with official ties to Beijing, which the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) says will not allow Democrats to participate I’m doing it. The next election for the Legislative Council, the parties are worthless and should be dissolved itself.
When asked if the decision was due to pressure, Lo did not respond directly, but repeatedly said, “I don’t say much.” He said the dissolution was a decision made in view of the political situation and not because of financial pressure. He apologised for not consulting with all party members in advance.
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The Democrats held a general election in December 2024, and LO was re-elected as chairman. At that time, he said the Democrats would continue to speak out for the people of Hong Kong. On February 19, a day before the decision to dissolve, Democrats held a press conference to make recommendations on this year’s budget.
At a press conference announcing the disbandment, Lo “We are very hoping to continue to serve the people of Hong Kong and continue to work with everyone in Hong Kong. But of course there are some decisions that we need to make, and there are not many here. I can’t say it.”
Regarding the time of resolution, Lo said the parties would seek advice from people with experience associated with lawyers. He said it is impossible to predict how long it will take at this point, and that if there are remaining assets after the finances are settled, they will be transferred to like-minded groups or charities. Ta.
When asked about the future path of democracy in Hong Kong, Law said it is always difficult to fight for democracy. “But I have confidence in the people of Hong Kong.”
The Democratic Party was founded in 1994, and its predecessor, the Unified Democrat in Hong Kong, was founded in 1990. After the 1995 Legislative Council election, it was Hong Kong’s largest democratic party.
The Democrats are considered moderate and are willing to communicate with the Hong Kong government and Beijing. In 2010, after that, Chairman Albert Ho went to the CCP’s liaison office in Hong Kong to discuss ideas for political reform.
After the implementation of the NSL, many civic groups in Hong Kong were forced to dissolve. Another democratic party, the Citizens Party, officially disbanded in 2024.
In 2021, a year after the NSL passed, a wave of “dissolution” occurred in Hong Kong.He is Hong Kong Professional Teachers Union, the largest teacher organization. tHe organized many demonstrations and rallies on the Civil Human Rights Front. And tHe is the Union of Trade Unions in Hong Kong, an organization that supports democratic organizations.
Lee pointed out that the Democrats, the largest democrat, has dissolved, and Hong Kong’s party politics no longer exists. This also implies the role of pro-communist parties, such as the Democratic Union for Hong Kong’s improvement and progress, and the Federation of Trade Unions in Hong Kong. .
