The Democratic Party, the oldest pro-democracy party in Hong Kong, has officially announced its dissolution. Founded in 1994, just a few years prior to the end of British colonial rule, the party had become the strongest opposition force in the region. Its chairman, Lo, made the announcement signaling the end of the party’s activities.

Since the enactment of the National Security Law by Beijing in 2020, authorities have increasingly cracked down on pro-democracy activists and critical voices within Hong Kong. This law has led to a hostile environment for the party and similar organizations, culminating in the decision to disband. The dissolution marks a significant moment in Hong Kong’s political landscape under Chinese sovereignty.