Starry Lee Wai-king elected president of HKSAR's 8th-term LegCo

Starry Lee Wai-king gestures after being elected president of the eighth-term Legislative Council (LegCo) of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Hong Kong, south China, Jan. 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

HONG KONG, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Starry Lee Wai-king was elected president of the eighth-term Legislative Council (LegCo) of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday.

Lee won 47 votes in a secret ballot by all 90 members of the LegCo after a forum held on Thursday morning, where Lee and fellow nominee Chan Chun-ying elaborated on their platforms and answered questions from LegCo members.

Lee pledged impartialness in her work as the president of the LegCo, as well as the resolve to overcome challenges that may come the city's way.

Noting that this year marks the start of the country's 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), she said that the LegCo will adhere to the plan and foster high-quality economic development for the HKSAR alongside the HKSAR government.

The eighth-term LegCo, which started its four-year term on Jan. 1, will hold its first meeting on Jan. 14 to discuss relief efforts in the aftermath of the deadly fire that tore through the residential complex Wang Fuk Court on Nov. 26.