The government on Wednesday resumed election forums, with participants observing a moment of silence for those who died in the Tai Po fire.

The forums were suspended following the blaze last Wednesday which killed at least 156 people.

The first forum to resume was for the HKSAR Deputies to the National People’s Congress, HKSAR Members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Representatives of Relevant National Organisations functional constituency.

After a moment of silence, the host announced that the forums would allow candidates time to express their views on supporting residents affected by the fire and on the recovery efforts.

The host added that, out of respect for those affected by the blaze, the remaining forums would drop the slogan-chanting and cheerleading segments and proceed in a more solemn manner.

On Tuesday, the government announced that the Legislative Council elections would be held as scheduled on Sunday, with the remaining eight forums taking place on Wednesday and Thursday.