The island’s biggest pro- democracy party has voted to dissolve after more than 30 years of activism.
Democratic Party chairperson Lo Kin-hei said about 97% of members’ ballots were in support of its liquidation and it is the best way forward for its members.
“Yet as the times have shifted, we now, with deep regret, must bring this chapter to a close,” he said yesterday.
Lo earlier said the decision to move toward disbandment was made based on the current political situation and social climate.
China imposed a national security law in June 2020, following massive anti-government protests the year before, saying it was necessary for the city’s stability.
Under the law, many leading activists, including the Democratic Party’s former chairs Albert Ho and Wu Chi-wai and other former lawmakers, were arrested.
Jimmy Lai, founder of the Apple Daily newspaper, was also charged under the law. Lai will hear his verdicton today.
The Democratic Party, founded in 1994, was a moderate opposition party that pushed for universal suffrage in electing the city’s leader.
It once held multiple legislative seats and amassed dozens of directly elected district councillors who helped residents with issues in their households and municipal matters.
Some of its former members joined the government as senior officials. — AP
