Hong Kong: In the wake of the devastating tower blaze, authorities have announced the suspension of all campaign activity ahead of the Legislative Council election scheduled for December 7. The decision comes as the city pivots its full attention to rescue and recovery efforts.
At an early-morning press briefing, Chief Executive John Lee said the immediate tasks were clear: “The top priority is to put out the fire and rescue trapped residents. The second task is to treat the wounded, the third is to handle the aftermath, and then we’ll undergo a comprehensive investigation,” he told reporters, according to Radio Television Hong Kong.
Asked whether the election might be postponed in light of the tragedy, Lee declined to comment, saying only that the focus now must remain on relief operations.
The vote slated for December 7 would mark the second Legislative Council election since sweeping changes were made to Hong Kong’s electoral system reforms widely viewed as part of Beijing’s efforts to consolidate control over the territory.