Vote Counting for 2025 Legislative Council Election Completed Smoothly, Turnout at 31.9%

Counting of votes for Legislative Council General Election completed smoothly

The following is issued on behalf of the Electoral Affairs Commission:

The counting of votes for the 2025 Legislative Council General Election (LCGE) was completed smoothly at around 6am today (December 8). The poll closed at 11.30pm last night (December 7) and the counting of about 1 317 680 geographical constituency (GC) ballot papers, about 76 940 functional constituency ballot papers and 1 458 Election Committee constituency ballot papers commenced soon afterward.

"For the LCGE, about 1 317 682 electors have cast their votes, with a cumulative GC turnout rate of 31.9 per cent. Overall, the polling and counting processes proceeded smoothly and all arrangements for the LCGE have reflected the principle of openness, honesty and fairness. The Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) is satisfied with the arrangements," the Chairman of the EAC, Mr Justice David Lok, said on the conclusion of the LCGE.

The EAC is very thankful to the bureaux/departments (B/Ds) involved in the LCGE, especially the Crisis Management Committee members which include the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, the Security Bureau, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Digital Policy Office, the Home Affairs Department, the Information Services Department, the Department of Justice, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Transport Department and the Hong Kong Observatory for their full support in various aspects. In addition, the Independent Commission Against Corruption and other law enforcement agencies have made appropriate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the LCGE. The EAC would also like to thank the Technical Advisory Committee for their valuable professional input to the election-related mission critical systems.

There were more than 600 polling stations in the LCGE with polling duration extended to 16 hours. Also added in the LCGE were various new electoral work under the pilot arrangements, including introducing Designated Polling Stations for the groups of electors with specific needs such as civil servants, healthcare staff and ethnic minorities residents; providing outreach polling service to electors residing in residential care homes for the elderly and persons with disabilities; as well as increasing the number of Near Boundary Polling Stations. After the fire in Tai Po, the Registration and Electoral Office (REO) needed to make adjustments for three polling stations in the district within a short period of time. With the full assistance by the Government Logistics Department, and the efforts of staff members of the Immigration Department and the Customs and Excise Department under the "government-wide mobilisation" mechanism, free feeder transportation services were offered to the affected electors during the polling hours so that they can travel to the reallocated polling stations conveniently to cast their votes. The aforesaid arrangements posed substantial challenges to the whole election process. In this connection, the EAC extends its special thanks to the staff of the REO and the polling and counting staff for their contributions and efforts made in coping with a large amount of work in their respective positions; as well as the heads of various B/Ds for nominating electoral staff for the LCGE, and for approving them to leave their positions briefly to participate in trainings and drills arranged by the REO which enabled the election be held smoothly and orderly.

As prescribed by the law, the EAC will submit a report on the review of the electoral arrangements of the LCGE to the Chief Executive within three months.

Last but not least, the EAC would like to thank all electors who have voted for casting their sacred votes and electing the new Legislative Council. The EAC is also thankful to the media for reporting the electoral affairs; and candidates and their agents for their co-operation, so that the polling and counting processes were conducted openly, honestly and fairly, and in a safe, orderly and efficient manner.

Counting of votes for Legislative Council General Election completed smoothly Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Counting of votes for Legislative Council General Election completed smoothly Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Counting of votes for Legislative Council General Election completed smoothly Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Counting of votes for Legislative Council General Election completed smoothly Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE: Government to drive reform with new-term LegCo as election successfully concludes

​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, made the following statement today (December 8) after the announcement of the results of the eighth Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election:

The eighth LegCo General Election has successfully concluded, with the election results for all 90 seats announced. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, I would like to extend my congratulations to all LegCo Members successfully returned. I also thank the 161 candidates from different sectors, professions and backgrounds, as well as all sectors of the community, for their active participation.

The smooth and successful conduct of the election at a time when the Hong Kong community is collectively facing a difficult period carries profound significance. It demonstrates electors' support for the Government's commitment to recovery and reform following the tragedy, and for electing capable and committed LegCo Members to drive institutional reform. It showcases the spirit of unity, mutual care and support among the people of Hong Kong.

The successful conclusion of the LegCo General Election as scheduled reflects our adherence to and respect for the constitutional order and the rule of law. The election was the second LegCo General Election held after the implementation of the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" and the improved electoral system. Candidates actively participated in 39 open election forums, engaging in a high-quality, high-standard and healthy competition based on the principle of broad representation, balanced participation and fair competition.

I thank every one of the electors who have cast their vote for actively exercising their civic rights and responsibilities. Their passion for the election at this crucial time of recovery showed their unity in the face of challenges. They have elected an eighth-term LegCo composed of patriots who love Hong Kong and possess both integrity and capability, who will work with the Government in building a better Hong Kong - a home for us all.

To facilitate electors, the Government introduced a number of pioneering arrangements in this election, including extending polling hours by two hours to 16 hours, setting up Designated Polling Stations and Outreach Polling Stations for the convenience of various groups, and establishing Near Boundary Polling Stations to facilitate electors travelling to and from the Mainland and overseas. The overall polling process was smooth. The Government will review the experience to further enhance the procedures. I thank the Electoral Affairs Commission for its comprehensive and meticulous preparations, and the participation and efforts of all staff and volunteers involved in the election. Their work have ensured the election was concluded smoothly in an open, fair, honest, safe and orderly manner.

The community has gone through this difficult period brought by the fire together.I expect the eighth-term LegCo Members to join hands with the HKSAR Government to undertake support and recovery work following the tragedy. Through initiating debates, promoting the review and updating of legislation, and driving systemic reforms, we will make Hong Kong a safer city where citizens could live with greater peace of mind.

Under the executive-led system and the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", the executive and the legislature will further engage in constructive interaction, complementing each other with due checks and balances to open up new ground for Hong Kong through innovation and reform, continuously develop the economy, and enhance people's livelihood. I am confident that the new-term LegCo Members will actively engage with the community and various sectors, better understand public opinion, proffer their views and advice, and lead the deepening reforms of Hong Kong together with the HKSAR Government to create a shared future together.

Source: AI-found images