Hong Kong's Democratic Party votes to dissolve after three decades

Hong Kong's Democratic Party, the city's oldest pro-democracy movement, voted to dissolve on Sunday, ending three decades of political activity. The party's annual congress approved the dissolution with 117 votes in favor out of 121 cast, with four members abstaining.

Party president Lo Kin-hei announced the decision at a press conference. "We announce officially the dissolution and the ending of the activities of the Democratic Party," he said. "As a group, I believe we can conclude that the activities of the Democratic Party will end today."

The Democratic Party was founded in 1994 at the end of British colonial rule in Hong Kong, when major liberal groups in the territory united. Over its 30-year history, the party served as the city's primary opposition force and a leading advocate for democratic reforms. It achieved significant electoral success, regularly winning legislative elections across the city and pressing China for democratic reforms and defense of freedoms.

The dissolution follows years of escalating pressure from the Chinese government, which has progressively restricted the party's operations. The 2019 mass protests against strengthened Chinese control prompted the introduction of a national security law that criminalized many forms of dissent. Five party members are currently imprisoned.

Lo Kin-hei expressed gratitude to supporters. "We are deeply grateful to all citizens who supported the Democratic Party over the last 30 years," he said.