The Insurance Authority (IA) has issued a call to action for Hong Kong’s insurance sector ahead of the 2025 Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election. In a letter distributed on Nov. 10, the IA urged all authorised insurers, licensed agencies, broker firms, and industry associations to encourage eligible staff to vote on Dec. 7.
An IA spokesperson said: “Over the past few years, Hong Kong demonstrated strong perseverance and resilience when faced with a complex and uncertain political economic environment. It is gratifying to see that our society has resumed harmony, and quality of life enjoyed by the citizens has improved.”
The spokesperson further noted that the Legislative Council now reflects a wider range of interests and is positioned to address the needs of Hong Kong more effectively. “The IA calls upon all voters to exercise their civic rights and cast a sacred vote to elect virtuous people for the next LegCo, thereby driving Hong Kong towards a brighter future,” the spokesperson added.
The IA has also communicated this message internally, encouraging its own employees and their families to participate in the election process.
The Legislative Council is the legislative body of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), responsible for passing laws, approving budgets, and overseeing government activities. The council consists of 90 members: 40 are selected by the Election Committee, 30 by functional constituencies (FCs), and 20 by direct election from geographical constituencies (GCs).
The insurance industry is represented as one of the 28 functional constituencies, each returning one member, except for the Labour FC, which returns three. Candidates for FC seats must be registered GC electors aged 21 or above, have resided in Hong Kong for at least three years, and be nominated by both FC electors and Election Committee members. Voting in most FCs follows a “first past the post” system, while the Labour FC allows electors to select up to three candidates.
Eligibility to vote in the Election Committee Constituency is limited to those listed in the final register of Election Committee members, published in September. For GCs and FCs, only individuals and organisations included in the respective final registers are entitled to vote. The nomination period for candidates ran from Oct. 24 to Nov. 6.
On polling day, voting will take place from 8:30am to 10:30pm, with special arrangements for polling stations in penal institutions. Voters must present a valid Hong Kong Identity Card or specified alternative documents at their designated polling stations. Electronic and printed registers will be used to verify eligibility. Ballot papers are issued based on the voter’s constituency, and voters are required to mark their choices in private voting compartments.
Special arrangements are available for voters aged 70 or above, pregnant individuals, and those with mobility challenges, including priority queuing and seating. Voters who need assistance in marking their ballot may request help from the presiding officer, in accordance with electoral rules.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has reminded all participants of the legal requirements surrounding elections, including prohibitions on soliciting advantages in exchange for votes, obstructing voters, or publishing false information about candidates. The ICAC’s Clean Election Website provides additional resources for stakeholders.
The IA’s outreach highlights the sector’s role in the legislative process and the importance of industry participation in shaping the future of Hong Kong’s governance. The authority’s communication aims to ensure that insurance professionals are informed and engaged in the upcoming LegCo election.
