Hong Kong’s Pro-Democracy Party Disbands After Decades of Activism Amidst Crackdown
The Democratic Party, Hong Kong’s largest pro-democracy party, voted to dissolve after over three decades due to the changing political climate and immense pressure. The decision, supported by nearly all members, marks the end of an era and reflects dwindling freedoms in the city following Beijing’s crackdown. The party, once a prominent advocate for universal suffrage, faced arrests, electoral overhauls, and the shut down of other pro-democracy groups under a national security law. Despite efforts to adapt and remain active, the party’s leadership ultimately decided on dissolution, signaling a regression of freedoms and leaving the future of the democracy movement in Hong Kong uncertain.
John Q. Hosedrinker