HONG KONG: Turnout is expected to be low for Hong Kong’s “patriots only” legislative election on Sunday, with subdued political campaigning as the population reels from the city’s deadliest blaze in decades that has killed 159 people so far.
Volunteers tentatively handed out flyers and hung banners outside subway stations and crowded intersections on Friday, but they were largely ignored by residents. Campaigning activities were suspended for a few days following last week’s fire.
“This accident, of course, can influence the attendance of the election ... (Hong Kongers) don’t have the interest, the eagerness to elect people,” said C.K. Lau, an 82-year-old retiree.
The vote has been viewed by some analysts as a test of legitimacy for the Hong Kong government as it tries to soothe public anger over the fire and oversee an ongoing national security crackdown.
Locals said they were angry and traumatized after authorities admitted that substandard building materials used during renovation work at the high-rise estate in northern Tai Po district were responsible for fueling the blaze.
