Following the fifth annual July 1 pro-democracy rally – claimed by organizers to have drawn crowds in the tens of thousands – Beijing-backed candidate Donald Tsang is sworn in as the next Chief Executive.
Mr. Tsang’s victory was no surprise given China’s support, but the fact that he faced a challenger – Alan Leong – was a positive signal for pro-democracy advocates.
On July 11th, the government released its awaited Green Paper on political reform. The paper offered three options for public debate: universal suffrage in 2012, by more gradual steps by 2016, or sometime after 2016. The possibility of more seats in Hong Kong's legislature filled by public elections was also on the table, although some seats were indirectly selected.
Officials reminded Hong Kong that all plans must have the blessing of the Chinese government, and pro-democracy advocates are disappointed by the Green Paper’s proposed timetable.
