With speculation circulating that the government’s authority is being contested, Beijing is working hard to retain control over Hong Kong.
In just a few days, the elite of the southern financial hub will select the next leader of the region, while indications suggest that Beijing may be reconsidering its initial backing of the favored candidate in an attempt to align with public sentiment.
A committee comprising 1,193 members will cast their votes for the chief executive of the semi-autonomous area, leaving the remaining 7.1 million residents of Hong Kong without a say. This committee mainly consists of business leaders and prominent figures, most of whom are anticipated to vote in accordance with Beijing’s directives.
Initially seen as the favored candidate of Beijing, Henry Tang, the former financial secretary, has garnered significant unpopularity due to a series of missteps.
Recent indications have emerged this week suggesting that Beijing’s leaders may now be shifting their support to his competitor, Leung Chun-ying, a former Cabinet member.
A senior member of the Communist Party has recently engaged with Tang’s supporters to encourage them to change their allegiance, and other pro-Beijing figures are allegedly working covertly to achieve similar results.
This development signals that Beijing recognizes the necessity of aligning with public sentiment, even within a race it influences. The competition has been characterized by a plethora of scandals and personal attacks, with Tang facing accusations of an extramarital affair, an illegitimate child, and an extensive, unlawfully constructed addition to his residence.
This scenario stands in stark contrast to previous elections, which were typically uneventful, tightly choreographed affairs with predetermined results favored by Beijing.
The missteps of Mr. Tang, who is the offspring of a wealthy businessman, resonate with a broader public disgust towards the city’s affluent elite, exacerbated by a widening wealth gap. On the other hand, Mr. Leung, whose father served as a police officer, has employed discussions on social reforms to enhance his appeal to the public.
by Robbo Green
