{
  "id": 19915336,
  "title": "Stiffer proxy-vote checks set for flat owners' votes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/stiffer-proxy-vote-checks-set-for-flat-owners-votes",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-14T03:32:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK English",
    "slug": "rthk-english",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1877791-20261114.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hong Kong is implementing a new verification system for proxy votes at property owners' corporation meetings, according to Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak. The new checks require both the owner and the representative to sign and declare their identities and authorizations. The government received 550 written submissions during a public consultation on proposed amendments to the Building Management Ordinance, with many supporting clearer thresholds for major maintenance works and stronger proxy requirements. However, some opposed a cap on the number of proxy votes a person can hold, arguing that verification is more effective in preventing abuse. The biggest challenge in the past was proving that a person genuinely authorized the proxy representation. For major maintenance works, the statutory quorum of 10 percent attendance will remain unchanged. However, in-person voting thresholds will vary depending on the property's apportioned cost, ranging from five percent or 100 owners for costs exceeding HK$30,000 per unit, to eight percent or 150 owners for costs exceeding HK$80,000, and 10 percent or 200 owners for costs exceeding HK$120,000. The tiered thresholds aim to encourage greater owner participation in building management and maintenance. Proxy votes cannot be used to satisfy the in-person thresholds. A briefing session must be held seven days before the meeting, and failure to hold one will prevent voting on major maintenance works at the subsequent meeting.",
  "summary": "Hong Kong is putting in place a verification regime for proxy votes at property owners’ corporation meetings, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak said on Saturday. Checks requiring both parties to sign and declare are, she said, \"more effective\" than a prescribed cap on the number of proxy votes a flat owner's representative can hold. Speaking on an RTHK radio programme, Mak said the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}