Hong Kong’s biggest pro-democracy partyvotes to disband

 

HONG Kong’s biggest pro democracy party voted on Sunday to dissolve after more than 30 years of activism, marking the end of an era of the Chinese semiautonomous city ‘s once-diverse political landscape. Democratic Party chairperson Lo Kin-hei said about 97% of members’ ballots were in support of its liquidation and it is the best way forward for its members.

 

“Yet as the times have shift ed, we now, with deep regret, must bring this chapter to a close,” he said. Lo earlier said the decision to move toward disbandment wasmade based on the current political situation and social climate. But party veterans told The Associated Press that some mem bers were warned of consequences if the party didn’t shut down. Its demise reflects the dwindling freedoms promised to the former British colony when it returned to China’s rule in 1997.