Hong Kong’s Democratic Party announced on Thursday night that it would begin the process of dissolving and wrapping up its operations following a leadership meeting. This decision comes amid an ongoing national security crackdown in the China-controlled city.
Established in 1994 ahead of Hong Kong’s transition from British to Chinese rule in 1997, the Democratic Party emerged as the most prominent and influential opposition force. It gained widespread public backing in city-wide elections and served as a key emblem of Hong Kong’s political diversity and freedoms.
Party chairman Lo Kin-hei stated that the final decision on disbandment rests with the party's members, who must approve it by a 75% majority at a forthcoming vote.
"Promoting democracy in Hong Kong has always been a challenge, and in recent years, it has become even more difficult," Lo told journalists at the party's headquarters. "This is an outcome we never wanted to witness."
When questioned about political pressure, Lo emphasized that the decision was made after thoroughly assessing the "overall political climate." However, he noted that the party's financial health remained stable and that it could continue operating for some time if necessary.
Under the One Country, Two Systems framework, Hong Kong was promised a high level of autonomy and freedoms under Chinese governance. However, in recent years, authorities have used national security legislation to detain numerous pro-democracy figures, dismantle civil society organizations, and shut down independent media outlets.
A 2021 electoral overhaul, designed to ensure that only pro-Beijing "patriots" could hold office, effectively eliminated democrats from the political landscape, pushing them further to the margins.
The crackdown has faced criticism from Western nations, including the U.S., Britain, Australia, and Canada. Chinese and Hong Kong officials, however, argue that the security measures have restored stability to the global financial hub.
On July 1, 1997, the day Hong Kong was handed back to China, Democratic Party co-founder Martin Lee made a symbolic statement of defiance, standing on the Legislative Council building’s balcony.
"We believe that people everywhere share our love of freedom and democracy and that these values will ultimately triumph," he declared, striking an optimistic tone despite the uncertainty.
Since his 2021 conviction for an unauthorized assembly charge, Lee has remained largely out of the public eye.
Several Democratic Party members, including former lawmakers Wu Chi-wai, Lam Cheuk-ting, Helena Wong, and Andrew Wan, have been imprisoned following their convictions in a high-profile subversion case involving 47 key pro-democracy figures. Another member, Ted Hui, was forced into exile and faces a HK$1 million ($130,000) bounty for his capture.
The Civic Party, Hong Kong’s second-largest pro-democracy political group, was disbanded in 2023. Some of its members, including Alvin Yeung and Jeremy Tam, have also been jailed under the national security law.