Jockeying for power
Hong Kong’s four-horse race for the city’s next chief executive enters the final straight tomorrow with the start of the two-week nomination period. Candidates must obtain at least 150 nominations from an election committee of about 1,200 to be in with a chance of becoming leader. The bookies’ favourite, Carrie Lam, is the only contender certain of obtaining the necessary support after she received Beijing’s backing. Yet polls show the former government number two losing out in the popularity stakes to her closest rival, ex-finance secretary John Tsang, despite the hurdles he’s facing to get on the ballot paper. Punters of all persuasions will hope Tsang can provide Lam with some competition come election day in March. Hong Kong loves a close-run horse race – although few would bet against Beijing’s rider.