Ex-security chief John Lee anointed Hong Kong's next leader

Former security chief John Lee celebrates after being anointed as Hong Kong's new chief executive by a small committee of Beijing loyalists. IMAGES

Former security chief John Lee was the only candidate in the Beijing-backed race

A former security chief who oversaw the crackdown on Hong Kong's democracy movement was anointed the business hub's new leader on Sunday by a small committee of Beijing loyalists.

John Lee, 64, was the only candidate in the Beijing-backed race to succeed outgoing leader Carrie Lam.

Despite the city's mini-constitution promising universal suffrage, Hong Kong has never been a democracy, the source of years of public frustration and protests since the 1997 handover to China. 

After a brief secret ballot on Sunday, 99 percent of those who cast ballots (1,416 members) voted for Lee while only eight voted against, according to officials.

Beijing hailed the near-unanimous result, saying it showed "Hong Kong society has a high level of recognition and approval" for Lee. 

European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell countered that the selection process was a "violation of democratic principles and political pluralism". 

Under President Xi Jinping, China is remoulding Hong Kong in its own authoritarian image after huge and sometimes violent democracy protests three years ago.

Protests have been largely outlawed, with authorities enforcing an anti-coronavirus ban on public gatherings of more than four people as well as the security law.

"We know this action will have no effect, but we don't want Hong Kong to be completely silent," protester Vanessa Chan said as dozens of police officers looked on.

While the democracy movement has been crushed, much of the population still resents Beijing's rule and chafes at the city's entrenched inequality. 

Lee was asked by reporters on Sunday whether he lacked a genuine mandate.

"But I can do that by action."

So far, his campaign has been light on concrete policy details -- in particular how he plans to reopen Hong Kong to both international and mainland travel at a time when China is doubling down on its strict zero-Covid strategy.

Hong Kong's chief executives find themselves caught between the democratic aspirations of the city's residents and the authoritarian demands of Beijing's leaders. 

According to a survey in March by the Public Opinion Research Institute, about 24 percent of the public has confidence in Lee, compared with 12 percent for Lam.

"It's just an empty gesture," he told AFP. 

Retired businessman Yeung Wing-shun was more positive, saying he hoped Lee would guide Hong Kong with a "firm hand", adding that he believed the new leader could bring different sectors together.

Beijing and Lee say that formula is still intact. 

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