Record Low Turnout in Hong Kong's 'Patriots Only' Election

Hong Kong's "patriots only" district election, which excluded opposition democrats and implemented national security measures, saw a record low turnout of 27.5%. The decline in participation reflects a growing perception that the election lacks meaning and is undemocratic. The previous lowest turnout was in 1999 at 35.8%. The electoral system overhaul, which reduced directly elected seats by 80% and required national security background checks, prevented pro-democracy candidates from running. An electronic poll register failure and subsequent switch to a manual system caused disruptions, and security was tight with over ten thousand police deployed. Several arrests were made for alleged offenses related to the election. Critics describe the election as a setback for democratic rights and a "birdcage election."