Hong Kong confirmed on Thursday that veteran civil servant Donald Tsang would be its next leader amid fresh criticism that the selection process was not democratic enough. Tsang won the race unopposed after securing an overwhelming number of nominations from a Beijing-sanctioned electoral college of 796 people that chooses the territory's next chief executive. Two rivals failed to get enough support to stand against him.
Ordinary Hong Kong people have no say over who they want as their leader, and Chinese leaders are expected to formally appoint him to the post next week in Beijing.
The post became vacant when unpopular Tung Chee-hwa quit in March citing poor health, and there was never any doubt that his deputy, Tsang, would replace him because of Beijing's support.
"Since there is only one candidate who received effective nominations by the end of the nomination period, I hereby announce Donald Tsang is elected," said returning officer Justice Carlye Chu.
In his acceptance speech, Tsang called for unity and restoration of harmony in a city that has been rocked by social discontent and anti-government protests in recent years.
Comments
Comments are closed.