Hong Kong elects Beijing loyalist John Lee as chief executive
Hong Kong, May 8: Beijing loyalist John Lee, the only candidate for Hong Kong's top post, has been elected as the chief executive of the city-state.
The 64-year-old Lee is a former security chief of Hong Kong and is known for his staunch loyalty to the Chinese government. He will take the reins on July 1, according to Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP).
The ex-police officer will replace Carrie Lam as the chief executive, Hong Kong's top job.
Furthermore, Lee received 1,416 votes in support from the newly-revamped Election Committee.
The committee, which Lee personally vetted last year, assembled on Sunday at Wan Chai's Convention and Exhibition Centre to vote in the small-circle race.
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By the time polling ended at 11:30 a.m. (local time), 1,428 members of the 1,461-strong committee had cast ballots, marking a turnout rate of 97.74 percent, according to HKFP.
The 64-year-old former Hong Kong security head was a pivotal factor in putting down the protests in 2019.
He was the security chief for four years until being named chief secretary, the government's second-highest position, last year.
He also supported the Hong Kong authorities in putting an end to political unrest. He made certain that anyone who spoke out was imprisoned or exiled.
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-PTC News
