Following last week's deadly fire in Tai Po that killed 159 people, candidates for Hong Kong's Legislative Council election resumed campaigning this week with a more subdued approach, including fewer street booths and volunteers. Ahead of Sunday's poll, some contenders unveiled new policy platforms calling for a thorough fire investigation and enhanced building safety oversight.
Candidates resumed campaigning this week for Hong Kong's upcoming Legislative Council election but opted for a more subdued approach in the aftermath of last week's deadly fire in Tai Po, including fewer street booths and volunteers deployed. The inferno raged through seven of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court, killing 159 people and injuring another 79. The poll will be the first major citywide event held after the tragedy.
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 quietly resumed their campaigns following the fire, with reduced street booths and volunteers. As of Friday, two major political parties said they were facing electoral challenges.
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.