Securing 1,416 votes, former security chief John Lee is now Hong Kong’s new leader
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Sunday marked ex-security chief John Lee’s role as Hong Kong’s newly-appointed Chief Executive. Of the 1,424 valid votes cast by electors, Lee won 1,416.
Lee’s platform included promises of diversity, business expansion and an overall improved Hong Kong. He has said that his administration will uphold the rule of law and remain accountable to Beijing and Hong Kong.
According to a survey conducted by the city’s public opinion research body, Lee’s popularity among Hong Kongers is under 35%.
Key comments:
“We will continue to uphold the rule of law, which is a core pillar of our sound governance, and tackle future challenges with absolute confidence, safeguarding our country’s sovereignty, national security and development interest, protecting Hong Kong from internal and external threats,” said newly-appointed Chief Executive John Lee.
“The European Union regrets this violation of democratic principles and political pluralism and sees this selection process as yet another step in the dismantling of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle,” wrote the bloc in a statement on Sunday. “The European Union attaches great importance to the preservation of Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy as well as respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including media freedom, democratic principles and the rule of law, in line with the Basic Law and with international commitments.
The EU calls on Chinese and Hong Kong authorities to abide by their national and international commitments, notably the ultimate aim of electing the Chief Executive and members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage.”
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