Hong Kong: Security forces chief John Lee has been named Hong Kong’s new leader in a crackdown on dissent. In the absence of an opposition candidate, Lee received 1,416 votes on the 1,500-member board. Last year, an amendment was introduced that only those loyal to China could compete. This also applies to board members. Lee will take office on July 1, when current leader Carrie Lam steps down. Lee said he would make Hong Kong a city of unity and opportunity.
The Hong Kong office of the Chinese government congratulated Lee. Joseph Boral, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, has said Lee’s election is not in line with democratic principles and political pluralism. When Britain handed over Hong Kong in 1997, China was criticized for not fulfilling its promise of 50 years of freedom of expression and political freedom.
The banner of human rights being trampled on for power was hoisted all over the city. During the democratic uprising and during Kovid’s stronghold, the vast majority of those who left the city did not return.
English Summary: John Lee elected as Hong Kongs next leader
