Curtains for Democracy? Hong Kong’s Longest-Standing Opposition Party to Dissolve
Hong Kong, once a gateway between the West and Asia, has lost its distinct identity under Beijing’s tightening grip. After China imposed a new constitution, erasing the city’s autonomy, authorities systematically dismantled its pro-democracy movement. Viewing democracy as a relic of British rule and a threat to Hong Kong’s integration with China, the government cracked down harshly—arresting, jailing, and even torturing politicians while severely punishing protests. Fear silenced dissent, and opposition parties were gradually wiped out. Now, Hong Kong’s oldest pro-democracy party, once a powerful voice against Beijing’s control, is preparing to dissolve. Its closure marks not only the final chapter of democracy in Hong Kong but also the end of the city’s unique identity.
Lo Kin-hei, chair of Hong Kong’s Democratic Party, announced on Thursday that the party is beginning the process of dissolution, stating that they will move forward with studying the necessary steps and procedures for disbanding. He explained that the decision was made after assessing Hong Kong’s political environment and future prospects. While the final vote on dissolution will be left to party members, he did not specify a timeline, though it is expected to take place soon.
As the first step in the multi-stage process, a three-person team, including Lo, will review the legal and accounting requirements. Despite having 400 members, the party is not facing immediate financial difficulties. However, disbanding will require the approval of 75% of meeting participants in a final vote.
Lo acknowledged the longstanding challenges and noted that many civil society groups and political parties have disbanded in recent years. The Civic Party, once Hong Kong’s second-largest opposition group, dissolved in 2023. When asked whether Beijing had pressured the Democrats to fold, he declined to disclose details of internal discussions, leaving the question open to speculation.
The Democratic Party was founded in 1994, near the end of British colonial rule, through the merger of Hong Kong’s leading liberal groups. Its early leaders played a key role in shaping the framework that promised Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy and protections for civil rights under Chinese rule. After the city’s handover to China in 1997, the party emerged as the most influential opposition voice in Hong Kong’s legislature and led peaceful street demonstrations.
However, its influence waned as Beijing tightened control, particularly after the imposition of the national security law following the large-scale and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests in 2019. The passage of a second security law last year effectively eliminated any remaining space for opposition. Four of the party’s former lawmakers, including ex-leader Wu Chi-wai, are currently serving prison sentences after being convicted of subversion under the national security law. The party no longer holds any seats in the legislature after Hong Kong’s electoral system was overhauled in 2021 to ensure that only candidates loyal to Beijing could take office.
Lo expressed hope that Hong Kong could one day reclaim the values that once defined its success—diversity, inclusion, and democracy. These principles had been tested, implemented, and ultimately dismantled. Among the party’s most well-known figures were Martin Lee, often regarded as the father of Hong Kong’s democracy, and Albert Ho, who for years organized the city’s annual vigils commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Though the pro-democracy movement has been largely erased from Hong Kong’s political landscape, its legacy will endure—if not in the city’s institutions, then at least in the pages of history, preserved in languages beyond Beijing’s reach.
