Hong Kong electoral authorities plan to include the Hetao cooperation zone, a new innovation hub near the border with mainland China, in an existing constituency in the New Territories for the coming legislative poll, despite no one living there.

The Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) on Friday revealed its proposal to integrate the Hetao area, which is located on both sides of the Shenzhen River and co-developed with mainland authorities, into Hong Kong’s electoral map.

The announcement comes about seven months ahead of the Legislative Council poll, which is scheduled for December 7.

Although the current population projection for the Hetao cooperation zone as of mid-2025 is zero, the commission proposed to include the area to tie in with its development, the consultation paper read.

“[We] are seeing substantial development in the loop and the first three buildings of the loop district will become functional soon … the EAC will see that it will be an appropriate moment to include the loop in the present exercise,” Justice David Lok Kai-hong, chairman of the electoral body, said.

“We see that the timing is right.”