Together, we vote for Hong Kong's better future

On Nov 26, a fatal fire ravaged Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, which claimed at least 159 lives with 31 people still missing. Faced with an exceptionally complex and urgent rescue and relief situation, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government responded with full commitment and operational efficiency. Relief and resettlement efforts were carried out in an orderly manner, striving to minimize the losses and suffering caused by the fire. After days of continuous and intense emergency efforts, the most perilous and demanding phase of the firefighting operation has ended. As post-disaster reconstruction begins, holding the Legislative Council (LegCo) election as scheduled on Sunday demonstrates the SAR government's commitment to governing according to law under the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong". It also reflects a clear resolve to remain focused on socioeconomic development as well as people's livelihoods, and, through a forward-looking vision, advance steady institutional reforms and long-term progress for the city.

A constitutional obligation, not a discretionary choice

Holding the Legislative Council election as scheduled is a constitutional responsibility that the SAR government must fulfill. Speaking to the media, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu stressed that the election date is statutory, governed by clearly defined procedures, and must proceed in accordance with legal requirements. Under the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR, the Legislative Council must be formed through elections and serve a four-year term — a rigid constitutional requirement governing the institution's renewal. The Legislative Council Ordinance of Hong Kong SAR further stipulates that the polling date must be designated within the period of 60 to 15 days before the commencement of the new-term LegCo. Failure to return a new LegCo within the prescribed timeframe would constitute noncompliance with statutory obligations and effectively result in a "vacuum in legislative authority".

Hong Kong, though, has experienced exceptions before: In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented global emergency situation, elections were postponed via extraordinary legal measures. But today's situation is fundamentally different. The fire, though tragic, has been contained, society is operating as usual, and essential services remain fully operational. The threshold for delaying an election, whether defined legally, politically, or practically, has not been met.

Internationally, holding elections after disasters is common, provided voters can cast ballots safely and fairly. In 2024, a year described as a "global election super-cycle", at least 13 countries, including Austria, Canada, India, and Indonesia, conducted major national or local elections despite severe disruptions such as floods, wildfires, heatwaves and storms. In the same year, parts of the United States were devastated by Hurricane Helene, affecting more than a million residents in western North Carolina. Widespread flooding forced the closure of polling places and disrupted local infrastructure. Yet, instead of delaying the US presidential election process, authorities deployed temporary polling stations, expanded absentee voting, and redirected resources to ensure citizens, including the displaced residents, could still vote. The message was clear: elections can function as anchors of normality and continuity rather than luxuries that are postponed when hardship arises. Maintaining scheduled elections during hardship can reinforce public confidence by signaling that institutions remain stable, resilient, and accountable.

Continuity enables recovery

Beyond legality and symbolism, governance continuity is critical for relief and rebuilding. The Legislative Council is responsible for approving funding, evaluating regulatory reforms, authorizing emergency support, and overseeing public institutions. Post-disaster rebuilding — from housing reconstruction and safety legislation to social support for affected families — requires legislative authority and partnerships across government.

As the chief executive, John Lee, has emphasized, relief and elections are not competing priorities; they are mutually reinforcing. Holding the vote on schedule ensures that legislators with the necessary expertise and public service commitment can assume office without delay and work alongside the government on three urgent fronts: reconstruction, community support, and systemic reform. In practice, post-fire recovery will require substantial public funding, amendments to building-safety legislation and accelerated urban renewal — all matters that must be reviewed and approved by the new LegCo's Finance Committee and Bills Committee. A postponement would create a governance gap at a critical moment, slowing the allocation of relief resources and delaying community rebuilding. Proceeding with the election is therefore not indifference to the tragedy; it is the fulfillment of constitutional responsibility and the provision of the legal and institutional framework essential for recovery. As National Committee CPPCC Standing Member Margaret Chan noted, only by voting on time can "policies that genuinely improve people's lives be implemented sooner" — otherwise, "the relay baton of rebuilding will have no one to receive it."

Voting as a moment of collective resolve

Holding the LegCo election on schedule is also the right choice for guiding society toward unity and the future. Following the CE's announcement, Hong Kong deputies to the National People's Congress, members of the CPPCC, business chambers, labor unions and hometown associations all voiced support, arguing that pursuing disaster relief and the election in parallel demonstrates both institutional resilience and responsible governance. They noted that once the vote is completed, Hong Kong can quickly refocus its collective energy on long-term priorities — revitalizing the economy, improving people's livelihoods and advancing broader development plans.

This shared sentiment — a sense of standing together — plays an important role in rebuilding public confidence after tragedy. An election is not merely a mechanism to select legislators; in moments of hardship, it becomes an expression of unity, a reaffirmation of collective direction and a conscious act of shaping the future together. It is a step through which grief, uncertainty and shock can be transformed into purpose, stability and momentum.

A line from the iconic Cantonese song Below the Lion Rock, captures this spirit: "Together we dwell where the cape meets the sky. Hand in hand, we smooth out the rough roads ahead." After enduring this disaster, many in Hong Kong now feel the significance of this election more deeply. Hong Kong people have long been defined by resilience: they can withstand setbacks, and they can also shoulder responsibility.

One election, one future

Dec 7 is not only polling day — it is, in many ways, a day of restart for Hong Kong. The shared experience of a major tragedy will almost certainly deepen candidates' commitment to public service, and it will also make voters more aware of the weight of this election, encouraging broader participation and more deliberate choices at the ballot box. Casting a vote, in this moment, is more than a civic procedure. It is the continuation of solidarity, a declaration that Hong Kong will not be stalled by hardship, and a collective step forward with resolve and dignity.

For Hong Kong, a better future begins with this vote.

The author is a current affairs commentator.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.