Hong Kong’s biggest pro-democracy party votes to disband after more than 30 years of activism

Hong Kong’s largest pro-democracy party dissolved on Sunday after more than three decades of activism, dealing another blow to the city’s once-vibrant political landscape. The Democratic Party voted overwhelmingly to liquidate itself, with approximately 97% of members supporting the decision.

“Yet as the times have shifted, we now, with deep regret, must bring this chapter to a close,” said party chairperson Lo Kin-hei at a news conference announcing the dissolution. While Lo cited the “political environment” as a significant factor in the decision, party veterans had previously disclosed to The Associated Press that some members received warnings of consequences if the organization continued to operate.

The party’s demise represents a stark illustration of Hong Kong’s diminishing political freedoms, which were promised protection when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under the “one country, two systems” framework.

The end of the Democratic Party follows a systematic crackdown on dissent that began after the massive anti-government protests of 2019. In June 2020, Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law on Hong Kong, claiming it was necessary for stability. This legislation led to the arrest of many prominent Democratic Party figures, including former chairmen Albert Ho and Wu Chi-wai, along with numerous other former lawmakers.

The law has profoundly reshaped Hong Kong’s political and civic landscape. Jimmy Lai, founder of the pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, was also charged under the security law and awaits his verdict on Monday. His publication was among several independent media outlets forced to close in recent years.

Civil society has been similarly decimated. The Civic Party, the second-largest pro-democracy party, has disbanded, as has the group that organized annual vigils commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. In June, the League of Social Democrats—one of the last active opposition groups still holding small street protests—announced its closure, citing “immense political pressure.”

Founded in 1994, the Democratic Party was a moderate opposition force that advocated for universal suffrage in the election of Hong Kong’s chief executive. The party included prominent figures like Martin Lee, often called the city’s “father of democracy,” Albert Ho, who led the organization that coordinated Tiananmen vigils, and journalist-turned-activist Emily Lau.

At its height, the party held multiple legislative seats and had dozens of directly elected district councillors who assisted residents with local issues. Some former members even served as senior government officials. The party was known for its pragmatic approach, even negotiating with Beijing on political reforms in 2010—a move that drew criticism from more radical democracy advocates.

Though its influence waned as newer pro-democracy groups emerged, the 2019 protests brought renewed support to the Democratic Party. However, Beijing’s subsequent crackdown effectively marginalized it. Electoral reforms designed to ensure only “patriots” could govern the city effectively eliminated all pro-democracy politicians from the legislature and district councils.

Despite these challenges, the Democratic Party continued its activities, holding press conferences on livelihood issues and even submitting opinions on new security legislation before it was enacted in March 2024. Earlier this year, party leadership began exploring dissolution procedures and secured member approval to move in that direction.

At Sunday’s news conference, former chairperson Yeung Sum said the disbandment reflected Hong Kong’s regression from a free and liberal society. He acknowledged that the path to democracy since the 1997 handover had stalled halfway.

“Now, it’s a low point, but we haven’t lost all hope,” Yeung said, suggesting that if the “one country, two systems” principle were ever reviewed and moved toward greater openness, the city could have a better future.

When asked whether Hong Kong would still have a democracy movement, Lo emphasized that universal suffrage remains promised in the city’s mini-constitution. “If Hong Kong people believe that democracy is the way to go, I believe that they will keep on striving for democracy.”