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
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