John Lee Ka-chiu has been elected because the sixth-term Chief Govt of the Hong Kong Particular Administrative Area (HKSAR) by securing 99.16 % supportive votes from the Election Committee members who solid their votes on Sunday.
The extremely anticipated Chief Govt Election for Hong Kong, the primary CE election because the implementation of electoral reform which goals to make sure solely patriots governing Hong Kong, kicked off on Sunday as most of 1,461 Election Committee (EC) members solid their ballots on the Hong Kong Conference and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.
The general voting course of began from 9 am and concluded at 11:30 am, going easily and being organized within the eyes of some EC members. The central authorities is anticipated to formally appoint him as Hong Kong’s subsequent chief govt quickly.
In whole, 1,428 Election Committee members solid their votes “help” or “not help” for Chief Govt Election in Hong Kong, with the general turnout fee of 97.74 %. 33 members didn’t vote. Lee secured 1,416 supportive votes among the many 1,428 EC members who solid their votes, or 99.16 % of the votes solid.
“Serving Hong Kong and serving our individuals for the subsequent 5 years, that is an honor with humility and honest gratitude, with loyalty and perseverance,” Lee advised after being elected.
This 12 months marks the twenty fifth anniversary of the institution of the Hong Kong SAR. We should proceed to make sure the great, correct and full implementation of the ideas of the “one nation, two techniques,” “Hong Kong individuals administering Hong Kong” and “excessive diploma of autonomy to take care of our long run prosperity and stability.”
Having restored order from chaos, it’s excessive time that Hong Kong begins a brand new chapter of growth, a chapter that we get towards better prosperity for all, he stated.
Lee gained a excessive fee of 99.16 % of the votes, which displays recognition and affirmation of the Hong Kong society, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Workplace of the State Council stated in a congratulatory message to Lee printed shortly after the consequence got here out. It’s believed the brand new CE will lead the brand new authorities and representatives from numerous sectors of Hong Kong to unveil a brand new chapter for good governance within the metropolis, the workplace stated.
It additionally stated the election is a profitable observe of Hong Kong’s new election system, which has confirmed to suit “one nation, two techniques” and Hong Kong’s actuality.
The six-term CE election has nice significance for Hong Kong, particularly after the implementation of the nationwide safety legislation for Hong Kong and the electoral reform, town returned to the proper monitor, resisting the overseas interference and stabilizing the society with energetic measures for financial system and livelihoods. The election stimulates the constructive vitality, underscores the democracy with broad illustration and unity because the candidate and residents are specializing in measures for constructing town collectively relatively than making confrontations or divisions, the highest workplace on Hong Kong affairs stated.
The subsequent 5 years would be the interval for Hong Kong to emerge from the social turmoil to being nicely ruled to develop, and we consider that if the brand new authorities and representatives from numerous sectors seize the historic alternatives, it will be a brand new place to begin for Hong Kong to make a splendid historical past, stated the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macao workplace.
The liaison workplace of the central authorities additionally congratulates Lee’s election, because the election totally underscored the precept of solely patriots governing Hong Kong and some great benefits of the brand new election system, which is one other profitable observe of the democracy with Hong Kong traits.
“We’re totally assured in Hong Kong’s democratic path,” the liaison workplace stated, hoping that Lee will lead the native authorities and representatives from numerous sectors to totally and accurately implement the “one nation, two techniques” to unveil a brand new chapter for Hong Kong’s future.
Carrie Lam, the incumbent CE, additionally prolonged her honest congratulations to Lee on his profitable election. She stated she is going to submit a report of the election consequence to the central authorities later and can guarantee a seamless transition with the CE-elect.
The election on Sunday is taken into account crucial one for the political life in Hong Kong. For the reason that implementation of the electoral reform, which essentially modified the foundations of the political recreation in sweeping out the anti-China figures and a few backed by Western forces, observers consider that the Hong Kong individuals can efficiently select a great one who will resolutely perform the reforms to reshape the native governance so as to repair some deep-rooted issues in Hong Kong society.
Some political heavyweights advised the media whereas they got here to the polling station to solid their votes that they shared the excessive expectation for Lee and hoped that the subsequent CE might sort out some pressing points together with combating the epidemic in Hong Kong, reopening borders with the mainland, and fixing the housing woes.
Starry Lee Wai-king, a EC member and chairwoman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), hoped that Lee may very well be elected with a excessive variety of votes, anticipating him to roll out extra particular measures in comparison with his coverage platform after he’s elected. When requested whether or not the DAB members will be a part of the brand new authorities, she stated it’s too early to say however the DAB is glad to suggest abilities for the brand new authorities.
Govt Councilor Ronny Tong Ka-wah who can also be a EC member advised the World Instances on Sunday after he solid the poll that Hong Kong individuals count on to elect a CE who can obtain the objectives. “Hopefully, the brand new authorities can overhaul the political system, enhance the dwelling setting, work on the issues of the youth and assist get better the native financial system,” he stated.
He additionally believed that fixing the division within the society is a collective will of Hong Kong individuals, and particularly after the social turmoil in 2019, native residents confirmed constructive angle towards fixing the division within the society: “It’s not vital which place Lee used to serve in Hong Kong, it’s vital how he’ll sort out crucial facets for Hong Kong’s future,” Tong stated.
Lee, 64, was appointed as chief secretary for administration of the HKSAR in June 2021, which is the No.2 place after the chief govt. In July 2021, Lee was appointed as chairman of the Candidate Eligibility Evaluate Committee for native elections.
Lee began his profession as a policeman. He joined the Hong Kong Police Power in 1977 and held a wide range of posts earlier than he was appointed as undersecretary for safety in September 2012. He then served as secretary for safety from 2017 to 2021.
Lee’s appointment as chief secretary for administration got here after the police drive demonstrated professionalism and competence within the battle in opposition to a sequence of violent riots in Hong Kong in 2019, in accordance with observers.