The current Hong Kong Chief Executive and second term candidate, Donald Tsang, looks as if he has "a guaranteed victory" after conquering 641 votes in the electoral college that chooses the government's leader.
Both in Hong Kong and Macau, the Chief Executive choice is made by an electoral college which comprises representatives from different social areas. In Hong Kong, the college has 796 members.
To run for election, candidates must gather the support of at least 100 members. Donald Tsang, who served under Chris Patten during the last British administration, already has 641 votes.
Despite the fact that current support may not translate into Election Day votes, the huge difference of gathered signatures will bring no surprises in the voting.
In 2005, during his first election-after the first Hong Kong Chinese leader, Tung Chee-hwa, left office for health reasons with two years left in his term-Donald Tsang ran unopposed. After all, his opponent Alan Leong couldn't muster the minimum number of supporting signatures. This time, however, the pro-democracy lawmaker has managed to collect 130 signatures and, therefore, has become a candidate.
Donald Tsang confirmed his candidacy by submitting his support list to the elections commission. Just a few minutes later, while speaking to journalists, he faced a raucous demonstration. The elections for Hong Kong Chief Executive will be held on the 25th of March.