Ap Explains: Hong Kong's Unusual System To Pick Its Leader

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong is poised to choose a new leader on Sunday when members of a committee dominated by elites favored by Beijing cast their ballots in the first such vote since 2014's huge pro-democracy protests. Here's a look at the electoral system in place, which critics have dubbed a "small-circle" or "fake" election because of its strict limits on popular participation: Pro-Beijing tycoons like billionaire Li Ka-shing, Hong Kong's richest person, are prominent members, although Hong Kong lawmakers, local councilors and delegates to China's parliament also have votes. Disagreements over how to revamp the system were at the heart of massive street protests in 2014, pitting young pro-democracy activists against the city's Beijing-backed government. The protests ended without resolution and lawmakers rejected Beijing's electoral proposal, leaving Hong Kong's political reform in limbo — and tensions simmering. "The protests about election reform will begin again when the election reform legislation is tabled again and debate resumed," said political commentator Suzanne Pepper , who maintains a blog tracking Hong Kong electoral politics.

 

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