The Democratic Party, Hong Kong’s oldest pro-democracy group, has officially voted to dissolve after 30 years of operation
HONG KONG: The Democratic Party, Hong Kong’s oldest pro-democracy group, has formally decided to disband.
Party leader Lo Kin-hei announced the dissolution following a special committee meeting on Sunday.
“We have officially announced the disbandment and dismissal,” Lo told a news conference.
He stated the process was completed during the meeting, concluding the party’s operations.
“As a group, I believe we can conclude that the Democratic Party’s operation will end today,” Lo said.
The party was founded in 1994 through a merger of liberal groups near the end of British colonial rule.
Its primary focus was advocating for the election of the city’s leader and lawmakers through universal suffrage.
“We are deeply grateful to all the citizens who have walked with the Democratic Party for the past 30 years,” Lo added.
Former party leader Emily Lau expressed confusion over the decision as she left the meeting.
“I don’t understand why the Democratic Party would end up like this,” Lau told reporters.
The party’s dissolution follows Beijing’s tightened control after the 2019 pro-democracy protests.
Hong Kong’s political opposition has dwindled since the imposition of a national security law.
Many democracy campaigners are now either jailed or living overseas. – AFP