Election of HKSAR's 8th LegCo marks another successful ballot under new electoral system: HK political advisers

Hong Kong political advisers hailed Sunday's election for the eighth Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as another successful ballot under the improved electoral system.

Voting for the general election ran from 07:30 to 23:30 on Sunday, with 161 candidates competing for seats, all of which were contested.

The results were unveiled early on Monday. All 90 members of the new-term LegCo of the HKSAR have been elected. It comprises 40 elected by the Election Committee, 30 by functional constituencies, and 20 by geographical constituencies through direct elections.

Political figures in Hong Kong believed that the elected representatives are dedicated to both the country and the region, and are responsible and capable.

"The newly elected Legislative Council members are all outstanding talents who love the country and Hong Kong and are committed to serving the community. I believe they will fully, accurately and unswervingly implement the 'one country, two systems' policy, fully support the chief executive and the SAR government in exercising law-based administration, and promote the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong," said Yao Zhisheng, member of the Standing Committee of 14th National Committee of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and chairman of the Hong Kong Association for Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China.

"This election marks another successful practice following the improvement of the electoral system in Hong Kong. I look forward to the new legislators addressing public concerns through precise legislation and efficient supervision, so that the fruits of development can benefit all citizens more extensively and equitably," said Lin Xiaohui, member of the 14th CPPCC National Committee.

The election was the second council election held after the implementation of the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" and the introduction of the improved electoral system in 2021.

It was also held less than two weeks after a deadly fire broke out in a residential complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po.

Perry Yiu Pak-leung, a newly-elected legislator, vowed to join hands with the HKSAR government to support the recovery work following the tragedy. He also said that the new legislative body will promote Hong Kong's further integration into the country's overall development.

"The newly elected legislators all want to start our work as soon as possible. The first thing is to cooperate with the government to undertake the post-disaster support work. We also hope to make efforts in the new-term Legislative Council to better align Hong Kong with the overall development of the country, jointly advance the overall economic development of Hong Kong, and further promote the work related to people's livelihood," he said.

The new council will commence its four-year term on January 1, 2026.

Election of HKSAR's 8th LegCo marks another successful ballot under new electoral system: HK political advisers

Tensions between Israel and Iran spilled over into diplomatic channels at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Monday, as representatives from both nations held separate press conferences on the sidelines of a Security Council meeting focused on protecting children in armed conflict.

The juxtaposition of high-level discussions on humanitarian protection and ongoing military hostilities underscored the challenges facing the international body as it seeks to uphold international law in conflict zones.

Israeli Permanent Representative to the UN Danny Danon addressed reporters that joint U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran will continue as long as it is necessary.

"We are hitting decisively, surgically without apology," said Danon.

Responding to reports of attacks on Iranian schools and civilian infrastructure, Danon asserted that Israeli forces target only military assets. He expressed regret for any civilian casualties.

In a sharply worded press conference, Iran's Permanent Representative to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani condemned U.S.-Israeli military actions, asserting that Iran's major cities and densely populated areas have been targeted, resulting in civilian casualties, including students, which violate the UN Charter.

"These acts constitute aggression, they constitute war crimes, they constitute crimes against humanity. The United States cannot remain silent. The United Nations cannot remain silent. Accountability is not optional. It is deeply shameful and hypocritical that only the very first day of its presidency of the Security Council, the United States convenes a high-level meeting on protecting children and technology and education in armed conflict under the agenda item of maintaining international peace and security, while at the same time, launching missile strikes against Iranian cities and bombing schools and killing children. Words about peace and protection cannot cover act of aggression," said Iravani.

The U.S.-Israeli airstrike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' elementary school in Minab, southern Iran, has left at least 165 people dead, according to Iranian authorities on Sunday.

Israel, Iran trade accusations as UN debates protection of children in conflict zones