End of an era as Hong Kong’s Democratic Party disbands after 31 years

Hong Kong’s Democratic Party, once the city’s largest opposition force, will dissolve following 31 years in operation after most members present at a meeting voted in favour of disbanding, marking the end of an era.

The Post learned on Sunday that nearly 100 people attended the two-hour meeting, with some representing others. A total of 117 members, or 97 per cent, agreed to dissolve the party, and four chose to abstain.

Party leaders endorsed disbandment in February and gained central committee approval in April to proceed.

Veteran member and former lawmaker Fred Li Wah-ming previously said a mainland Chinese official had urged the party to fold before the December 7 Legislative Council election.

The party’s dissolution removes what little remained of the city’s major political opposition following the League of Social Democrats’ similar move in June and the Civic Party’s wind-up in 2023.

The Hong Kong Association for Democracy and People’s Livelihood, which focuses on social issues and urged residents to vote under the revamped electoral system, is the only remaining pro-democracy party.