http://www.todayonline.com/chinaindia/china/no-surprises-carrie-lam-chosen-hong-kong-leader
No surprises with Carrie Lam's win, but she faces a tough task ahead
No surprises with Carrie Lam's win, but she faces a tough task ahead
Carrie Lam (right) declares her victory in the chief executive election of Hong Kong. Next to her is former Financial Secretary John Tsang, another contender for the job. Photo: AP
Hong Kong's new leader would have the unenviable task of calming tensions
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Published: 2:20 PM, March 26, 2017
Updated: 3:18 PM, March 26, 2017
HONG KONG — A committee dominated by pro-Beijing elites chose Hong Kong’s next leader on Sunday (March 26) in the first vote since huge pro-democracy protests erupted over the election system in 2014.
Ms Carrie Lam, the government’s former No 2 official and Beijing’s favoured candidate, received 777 votes and will become the first female leader for the city and its fourth since British colonial control ended.
China’s communist leadership had lobbied for her so Ms Lam’s victory came as no surprise. After the votes were counted, Ms Lam bowed to the crowd and shook hands with second-place finisher, former finance secretary Mr John Tsang, who received 365 votes.
Some pro-democracy supporters in the official seating area yelled slogans and held up a yellow umbrella, the symbol of the 2014 protests, as the results were announced. The elite election committee was at the root of the protests as activists decried the lack of a direct choice by Hong Kong residents.
Ms Lam is an efficient and pragmatic administrator but unpopular with Hong Kongers because she’s seen as a proxy for Beijing and out of touch with ordinary people. Mr Tsang, in contrast, is highly popular because of his easy-going persona and deft use of social media.
He has been nicknamed “Pringles” or “Uncle Chips” in Cantonese for his signature mustache that draws comparisons to the snack food mascot and his followers call themselves “small potatoes”.
The third candidate, retired judge Woo Kwok-hing, had 21 votes.
Ms Lam, seen as tough and capable by supporters but hated by the pro-democracy camp, faces a difficult task in calming political tensions in the divided city. Critics say she will only further polarise a society riven by protests two years ago that centred on fears of China's growing influence.
Ms Lam is nicknamed "lai-ma" or "wet-nurse" by opponents in a jibe over what they say was fawning loyalty towards her former boss. Her negative image among activists was sealed when she promoted a Beijing-backed reform package rejected as "fake democracy" by opponents.
The plan triggered mass street protests in 2014 that paralysed the city for more than two months but failed to win concessions from Beijing on fully free leadership elections. Ms Lam has made no commitment to revisit the political reform debate, instead trying to connect with the public on livelihood issues.
The 59-year-old cast herself as a force for change on the campaign trail, focusing on issues such as poverty and housing which have also fuelled unrest. Although she was well behind main rival John Tsang in most opinion polls before the vote, she had strong support among older residents.
Ms Lam has promised to try to build consensus and "restore faith and hope" in Hong Kong. But she has also said she would "strengthen the relationship between Hong Kong and China".
"Hong Kong, our home, is suffering from quite a serious divisiveness and has accumulated a lot of frustrations. My priority will be to heal the divide," she said in a victory speech.
Ms Lam has also emphasised there is no room for independence for the city, responding to a rise in calls for a direct split from China by some young activists — a sentiment views as unthinkable just a few years ago.
Her bid to be seen as a woman of the people hit stumbling blocks as she sought the leadership. While using the city's underground rail network as part of campaigning, she appeared unfamiliar with how to use the ubiquitous "Octopus" travel card to get through barriers.
She was also mocked for a lack of common sense after an anecdote related to reporters — about a late-night hunt for toilet paper — revealed she didn't know where to buy essentials in a city packed with convenience stores.
Ms Lam will take over from current leader Mr Leung Chun-ying, who is not seeking a second term, citing family reasons. Political analysts suspect Beijing asked Mr Leung, a highly polarising figure, to step aside for someone more well-liked.
Members of the Hong Kong’s election committee include tycoons like Li Ka-shing, Hong Kong’s richest person. They represent industry and trade groups such as finance, accounting, real estate and textiles.
Hong Kong lawmakers, local councilors and delegates to China’s parliament also have votes and some seats, mostly in the education, legal, health and social welfare sectors, are held by pro-democracy supporters. AGENCIES
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