Hong Kong's New Leader

Hong Kong's newest leader, Leung Chun-ying, was selected today by a party of predominantly pro-Beijing elites. Having previously been a British territory, eventually returning to Chinese rule in 1997, Hong Kong has always been notable for its more Western characterization, emphasizing greater personal freedoms and civil liberties than the surrounding region. Many have voiced discontent towards the election, in fear of Leung's strong Communist backing as a threat towards the democratic territory. Many have voiced alarm regarding China's opaque election process, citing it to be wrought with corruption and scandal, as only 0.017% of the region's population voted in the election. Leung failed to reach the popular support previous chief executives attained in elections, and his known enforcement against public protest is a foreboding indicator of the potentially conservative era to come. Leung tried to calm anxiety, particularly in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy camp, that he will roll back liberties that allow a raucous free press, frequent demonstrations and the publication of books and magazines banned in the rest of China, denying claims of his being an underground member of the Communist Party.During the election, Leung took advantage of Hong Kong's growing economic discrepancies by appealing to the common man, defeating the previously though shoe-in Tang.

Link:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/hong-kong-selects-new-leader-after-tumultuous-contest/2012/03/25/gIQA10c9YS_story_2.html

Prevalent Anti-Putin Prostests Persist (Avoid Alliteration Always)

While Putin's presidential election victory has effectively diminished protests, another rally of approximately 20,000 formed in Moscow on March 10th. Many protesters under the age of 30 delivered enlivening speeches emphasizing new civic activism to voice the public's discontent. Manipulation of December's parliamentary election, used to bolster greater support for the prior prime minister with numerous chairs being taken by the United Russia party for his impending election, has infuriated many protesters and activists. Opposition has taken many faces, stating "This was not an election. This was a special operation run by a thug who wanted to return to the Kremlin." Immediately following the parliamentary elections, rallies of over 100,000 surged throughout the nation in protest, yet those numbers have dwindled considerably, quite bewildering given Putin's recent election. Civic activism showed influence during the election through volunteer vote monitors to ensure the election remained fair and legitimate. Additionally, a new political movement known as Our City took hold of some of Moscow's municipal councils in advocacy of a strongly voice civil society. While the rally ended quite peacefully, three leftists were detained for defying city restriction, and police detained another 25 nationalists who attempted to incite a march.