By Wang Chunlai
November 22 marks the polling day for the 2026 Election Committee Subsector Ordinary Elections.
A look at this year's nominations reveals that 1,115 candidates have been validly nominated, with contested elections to be held in more than 30 subsectors. Many of these subsectors have more candidates than seats available. The large number of people willing to step forward and contribute their time, experience and expertise to Hong Kong speaks volumes about their confidence in and aspirations for the city.
Some may ask: What does an election have to do with the everyday lives of ordinary people? In my view, a great deal. The Election Committee comprises 1,500 members from five sectors and 40 subsectors, with 982 seats filled through subsector elections. Its members are responsible for nominating candidates for the office of chief executive and electing the chief executive-elect, nominating candidates for the Legislative Council (LegCo), and electing 40 LegCo members.
A well-conducted election delivers tangible benefits. First, it helps identify and elect capable and committed individuals who put the interests of the public first. Second, it promotes broad representation and balanced participation. By bringing together voices from different sectors, ranging from business and finance to grassroots organizations and social welfare, it ensures that diverse perspectives are heard and reflected in policymaking, making governance more responsive to people's needs and more inclusive.
Third, it helps build consensus around development priorities, with a focus on improving people's livelihoods, growing the economy and shaping Hong Kong's future. Positive interaction between the executive and legislative branches can, in turn, facilitate more effective governance. Fourth, it safeguards long-term stability and prosperity by ensuring that those elected are patriots with both integrity and ability, thereby upholding the steady and successful implementation of "one country, two systems".
The new Election Committee will take office next year for a five-year term, coinciding with a crucial period for implementing Hong Kong's first five-year plan. The outcome of this election therefore has a direct bearing on the interests of every Hong Kong resident.
Hong Kong's stability and prosperity have been built through the collective efforts of its people. They deserve to be safeguarded through the continued participation of the community. Regardless of their sector or background, everyone has a meaningful role to play in following and engaging with this election.
Let us cast our ballots. Let us do something meaningful and warm for ourselves, our neighbors and, above all, Hong Kong's future.
(The author is a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.)
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