Beijing-based John Lee has been elected the city’s next chief executive.
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John Lee, a Beijing loyalist, has been elected Hong Kong’s next chief executive.
Lee, the only candidate for the top job in Hong Kong, won more than 1,416 votes in Sunday’s election. He needed only a simple majority and received more than the required 750 votes.
About 1,500 members of a predominantly pro-Beijing election commission voted to elect the new chief executive. The election was earlier postponed due to an increase in Covid cases in the Chinese city.
Lee, 64, will replace current CEO Carrie Lam on July 1, when he begins his five-year term.
“I extend my sincere congratulations to Mr John Lee on his successful election and will present a report on the results of the Central People’s Government election later today,” outgoing leader Lam said on Sunday.
“The current government and I will ensure a smooth transition with the elected chief executive. We will provide all the necessary support to take office until the new term of the government,” Lam said in a government press release.
Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China governed by a “one country, two systems”. The city has limited suffrage and a largely separate legal and economic system.
“The election of Lee, a career police officer who played a leading role in the crackdown on pro-democracy protests that began in 2019, shows that Beijing’s top priority for Hong Kong is to maintain political security, not maintain its role as a dynamic global hub. “Eurasia Group analysts said last week before the election.
“Lee’s appointment will strengthen Hong Kong’s transition from a global financial and business hub to a narrower role as a capital portal for China,” Eurasia analysts said. “While the risks to political and financial stability are modest, the Lee administration may not be well equipped to respond to the shock.
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