Legco election hopefuls scale back campaigning in Hong Kong fire aftermath

Candidates started campaigning again this week for Hong Kong’s coming Legislative Council election, but opted for a more subdued approach, including fewer street booths and volunteers, in the aftermath of last week’s deadly fire in Tai Po.

Some Legco hopefuls also unveiled new policy platforms in the run-up to Sunday’s poll, such as calling for a thorough investigation into the fire and enhanced building safety oversight.

As of Friday, two major political parties also said they were facing electoral challenges.

The poll will be the first major citywide event to be held after the inferno raged through seven of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court last week, killing 159 people and injuring another 79.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced on Tuesday that he would hold the election as planned, stressing the importance of selecting new lawmakers who would partner with him to make reforms following the tragedy.

Candidates opted to quietly resume their campaigns following the fire, with fewer street booths and volunteers deployed.