Hong Kong allocated HK$1.13 billion for the Legislative Council election, a nearly 35% increase from the previous poll. Authorities attributed the rise in cost to increased expenses related to technology, salaries, and venue rentals.

Hong Kong spent HK$1.13 billion (US$144.27 million) on the Legislative Council election last year, or nearly 35 per cent more than on the previous poll, with authorities citing rising technology expenses, staff salaries and venue rentals for the increased expenditure. In a written response to lawmakers’ inquiries that came to light on Thursday, the Registration and Electoral Office revealed the revised budget for the 2025-26 financial year that included the costs of the preparatory work and...