Pro-Beijing Businessman Elected Hong Kong's Chief Executive

Hong Kong’s electoral committee on Sunday selected businessman Leung Chun-ying as Chief Executive.

 

Leung is now the region’s third leader, following Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule in 2007.

 

People protested the election calling for a more fair and democratic process. 

 

Leung Chun-ying is known for his close ties with the Chinese Communist Party.

 

Although not originally seen as Beijing's preferred candidate, the Chinese regime switched their support after former frontrunner Henry Tang was hit by a construction scandal and accusations of extra marital affairs.

 

Some members of the electoral committee held protest banners before casting their ballots. They opposed the electoral system known as “small circle election.” 

 

Despite a population of 7 million, Hong Kong’s electoral committee is made up of just 1200 people. It is increasingly seen as representing mostly business and other elites loyal to the Chinese regime. 

 

[Albert Ho, Democratic Party, Losing Chief Executive Candidate]: 

"The election just held today has shown the most blatant interference of Beijing into the domestic affairs of Hong Kong, thereby causing strong damage to the 'one country, two systems' policy. And the whole process and its outcome is ugly and disgusting."

 

After Leung was announced as Hong Kong’s new Chief Executive, protestors marched to the China Liaison Office—Beijing’s de facto embassy in the region.

 

Other Hong Kong residents also expressed strong disapproval of the results. 

 

[Ranger Wong, Hong Kong Resident, Information Technology Worker]: 

"The majority of Hong Kong people are not satisfied with this result. I only hope the impact of today's result on Hong Kong's future will not be as bad as I imagine. I hope there will be a better future."

 

[Jay Yau, Hong Kong Resident, Marketing Executive]:

"At least it will have to be a universal suffrage. If this was a one-man-one-vote election, and Leung still won, then the result would be more acceptable. But that is not the case now, as we don't have the right to choose."

 

Universal suffrage for Hong Kong residents will not happen until at least 2017, and only if Beijing approves.