The SCMP reports…
Hong Kong election authorities have stopped compiling voter turnout data by age and sex, citing a lack of operational need, in a move that has raised concerns about undermining the transparency of polls.
Analysts and politicians said such statistics were valuable for election hopefuls in understanding voter demographics and formulating policy suggestions, while authorities could use the data to improve governance.
There probably isn’t an ‘operational need’. But is that a reason to stop compiling the stats?
The turnout in last December’s election reached 31.9 per cent, with nearly 1.32 million residents casting votes. It surpassed the 30.2 per cent recorded in the 2021 poll, but remained significantly below the 58.28 per cent turnout in 2016.
Participation among young voters, in particular, has slumped since Beijing revamped the electoral system in 2021 to ensure only “patriots” could hold power.
In the Legco election held later that year, turnout among voters aged 30 and below hit a record low of 7.01 per cent, compared with 45.81 per cent for those over 60.
In the 2023 district council election, turnout stood at 7.49 per cent for those aged 30 and below and 41.22 per cent for those over 60.
By contrast, the turnout rate across all age groups exceeded 50 per cent in the 2016 Legco election and reached about 70 per cent in the 2019 district council poll, which was held amid anti-government protests sparked by an unpopular extradition bill.
Voter turnout collapsed after the authorities barred all but ‘patriotic’ candidates from the ballot. Once-popular and outspoken politicians have ended up in prison, while most candidates running in the new-style polls are unknown and apparently devoid of any serious views. Furthermore, most seats in the legislature are now filled by small groups of government-picked electors – often organizations rather than humans. It’s hardly surprising if the public sees less point in voting.
The SCMP apparently struggles to find anyone who supports the new move…
Lawmaker Mark Chong Ho-fung called on the government to resume releasing the data to enhance transparency, saying that the change could damage public perception.
He said that the figures were valuable for politicians, especially those representing geographical constituencies, to better analyse voter demographics and formulate policy suggestions.
…Emeritus Professor John Burns of the University of Hong Kong described the decision as regrettable, saying the release of comprehensive data was essential for electoral openness and transparency.
“We no longer have a government that pledges to be as accountable to the public as possible, as open and as transparent as possible,” he said.
The expert in public administration explained that such statistics helped to reveal voting behaviour, allowing the government to identify support across age groups.
“They need this information in order to better understand where their support lies, who their supporters are and who they need to win over, who they need to convince,” Burns said.
Even Lau Siu-kai, a pro-Beijing think-tank commentator, disagrees with the change…
“Understanding the turnout rate by age group does not simply help boost voter turnout,” he said, noting that the government could try to change the attitudes of age groups that were more reluctant to cast ballots.
“It allows an in-depth study into the factors influencing voter behaviour, including whether people are satisfied or dissatisfied with the government and social conditions.”
And perhaps this is the reason why the data won’t be available any more. If less than 7.5% of under-30s vote, there’s a pretty serious problem. If there’s no such statistic, the problem goes away!
The fundamental question is: why have a legislature at all, when it no longer represents the people or has a role in holding the executive branch to account?
The turnout in last December’s election reached 31.9 per cent, with nearly 1.32 million residents casting votes. It surpassed the 30.2 per cent recorded in the 2021 poll
This is where percentages deceive. AIR, even though in December the % turnout was higher than 2021 the actual number of voters was lower because of the reduced registered voter base.
Every theatrical performance necessarily enjoys a limited run and an updated production is required to boost attendance.
Sic semper tyrannis.
If you’ve ever wondered about the process for updating or removing your details from the voter register, Deepseek can explain.
P.S. Deepseek says this wording does not endanger NS
Report says that they stopped compiling the data? Really, this should read that they have stopped publishing the data. For sure the data is there and is being minutely analysed to address the issues Lau Siu-kai mentions.
And if anyone has ever wondered why some folk are prepared to hold their nose, I came across a recent ad for Information Services Dept
1. English Language Writer Non CS Vacancy $101,775pm
2. Assistant Editor (English) Non CS Vacancy $82,330pm
Plus the recent 2% pay hike
This to regurgitate the endless ‘despicable’ diatribes and glowing coverage of the latest HUB focus.
Compare that with the remuneration of your average local reporter.
“Report says that they stopped compiling the data? Really, this should read that they have stopped publishing the data.”
As it is unlikely to contribute to telling good stories.
Gov’t knows who voted & who didn’t. Therefore they have the demographic data. By simply vetting voters when they arrive at the polling stations. Everything is what we’re told in The New Era.
Perhaps the bigger story here is the so-called Ombudsman.
“This to regurgitate the endless ‘despicable’ diatribes and glowing coverage of the latest HUB focus.”
We have modern LLMs (even a locally government funded one that generates excellent diatribes if you ask it) and these braindead numbskulls are paying $100k per month for some empty suit.
It’s insane how much money the government wastes. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Well, to be fair to the Hong Kong Government, it’s about as informative and useful as Henry Ford collecting, collating and publishing detailed data on which colours of Model T are selling best, with a view to improving sales.
If they are to stop compiling the numbers then that is a few more civil service jobs that can be let go saving taxpayer dollars. A win-win all around.
Don’t forget that the 1.32M votes cast in the last election were boosted by the 175,000 civil servants who were ORDERED to vote.
@Mary Melville
You should see the salaries RTHK is paying … and yet they still can’t recruit or keep staff.
Abandon ship!