Hong Kong recorded a near-record low voter turnout of 31.9% in Sunday’s Legislative Council elections. This turnout was slightly higher than 2021's 30.2%, but fewer people voted overall—1.3 million compared to 1.4 million. Hong Kong’s population is about 7.5 million. Only 'patriots' vetted by the government could run for the city’s 90-seat legislature, and only 20 seats were directly elected. Despite a big push from the government—including longer polling hours, city-wide posters, 'thank you cards' for voters, and an election anthem inspired by Aaron Kwok—voter interest remained low. After 2019’s election overhaul, only pro-Beijing candidates are allowed, reducing elected seats. Boycotting the vote is one way citizens show dissatisfaction, but encouraging others to boycott became a crime in 2021. Ahead of Sunday’s election, Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption arrested 11 people for allegedly urging voters to skip or spoil ballots; three have been prosecuted. The election occurred amid Hong Kong’s worst recent tragedy—the Tai Po fire that killed at least 159 people across seven apartments. Residents demand answers on building safety and government responsibility. However, authorities cracked down on mourning activities, seeing them as a threat. At least three people were arrested on national security charges related to calls for government accountability. Authorities also cleared a memorial near the fire site late Saturday night, ending days of tributes. Residents expressed sadness, saying many never got to express their feelings fully. Police warned that the memorial and related pamphlets resembled the 2019 protests, calling it "black-clad violence." Foreign media reporting on the fire came under scrutiny, with outlets like the New York Times summoned by authorities. Some residents who shared information online stopped, fearing repercussions. At Hong Kong Baptist University, a student-made "democracy wall" asking for justice was removed, and the student union was shut down the next day. These events reflect growing tension under Beijing’s tightening control over the city.