◀ anchor ▶
Hong Kong’s new leader, John Lee, who was rejected by the Chinese government, was elected with the support of 99% of the electoral college.
He was responsible for the bloody suppression of anti-government protests in Hong Kong three years ago, and it is predicted that Hong Kong’s civil liberties will be further reduced in the future.
Correspondent Jo Hee-hyeong from Beijing delivers.
◀ Report ▶
Pro-Chinese candidate John Lee, a former police officer, was elected in the presidential election to select a leader who will lead Hong Kong for the next five years.
[사회자]
“I declare that the only candidate, John Lee, is elected Chief Executive.”
[존 리 / 홍콩 행정장관 당선인]
“Thank you to all the electoral commissioners, regardless of whether they voted for me or not.”
John Lee, the only candidate to run for the election, won 1,416 of the 1,428 electoral votes cast in the electoral college, garnering 99% of the vote.
Since the candidacy, the Chinese government has marked the election, and since it was recommended by a majority of the electoral committee, the election was a scheduled procedure.
Small-scale protests demanding direct election took place near the polling stations.
[홍콩사회민주연선]
“Immediately implement one citizen, one vote in the presidential election!”
In 2019, while serving as Hong Kong’s security secretary, President-elect John Lee vigorously suppressed large-scale anti-government protests.
[존 리 / 당시 홍콩 보안국장 (2019년 11월 CCTV 인터뷰)]
“Our police are really struggling. I’m so proud. Hong Kong has such an efficient and professional team.”
At that time, more than 10,000 people, including members of the democratic camp and protesters, were arrested, and media outlets were shut down one after another.
[딕슨 / 빈과일보 편집디자이너 (2021년 6월 폐간)]
“Now there is no press freedom and no future in Hong Kong.”
President-elect John Lee pledged to enact a national security law that would ban acts against the Chinese government, which is expected to further weaken civil liberties in Hong Kong.
China celebrated Lee’s election, saying that Lee’s high voter turnout reflects Hong Kong public opinion.
The new president-elect will take office on July 1, the 25th anniversary of the return of Hong Kong.
This is Jo Hee-hyeong from MBC News in Beijing.
Video coverage: Zhang Baoshen
Video editing: Lee Sang-min
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