James Pomfret

HONG KONG, (Reuters) – Hong Kong postponed Friday an election for a leader to fight a raging COVID epidemic. But unlike years past, there is still no candidate for the position. This adds to the uncertainty surrounding the future of the city as Beijing takes control.

In 1997 the former British colony was returned to China. Since then, there have been four chief executives. Each of them struggled with balancing the democratic aspirations and the visions of the Communist Party leaders in China.

Beijing backed all the leaders of the city and they were selected by a committee made up of loyal Beijingists.

There is no one clear favorite, unlike in previous years, when candidates indicated their intent to run several months before the deadline.

Sources from government and diplomats as well as political observers claim that this is partly due to the absence of any obvious sign that China has been the favorite in the “chief Executive Election” scheduled for March 27. However, it was pushed back to May 8 by the government to give them time to combat a worsening COVID virus outbreak.

One senior diplomat from the West stated that “Suddenly, there is a lot shadow play.” “The prolonged sense of uncertainty that surrounds this election can’t be good.”

The job candidate will have to continue China’s hardline approach to dissent according to some observers. They may also be expected to squeeze the remaining liberal parts of Hong Kong society, with additional security legislation due to be developed this year.

Parallel to all that Hong Kong’s next leader must attempt to revitalize the city following widespread Western criticism of the security clamp that followed pro-democracy demonstrations that ended in violent clashes.

Friday’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam evaded further questions regarding whether she plans to seek another term. Her office also refused to respond immediately when Reuters asked for her opinion.

Lam, financial secretary Paul Chan and Leung Chunying are among the candidates being considered in politics. Charles Li (born in China) is the former Hong Kong Stock Exchange head, Charles Li. Martin Liao, a pro-Beijing lawmaker, is also one of the potential contenders.

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Sources close to Chinese senior officials claimed that China was still undecided about whether Lam would be permitted to remain for the second term. They also stated that Lam is under scrutiny for her handling events that lead up to the 2019 protests.

According to the source, Lam was chosen by Beijing because she feels that they have made a mistake in selecting her for the position in 2017. The person has also met top Chinese officials responsible for Hong Kong affairs.

“She has caused damage to their merchandise, however it’s been hard for her to find an alternative.”

Lam also received sanctioning from the United States because of her participation in the crackdown against the protests. Analysts believe this could make Lam a liability.

Jean-Pierre Cabestan, an expert on China politics and a Hong Kong professor, stated that the Chinese government would make the rational decision to shift horses and appoint someone not targeted by sanctions to take over.

After months of trying to contain the virus using strict restrictions, the surge in COVID infection has also reinforced public perceptions that government is unable handle crisis situations.

This week, the Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Hong Kong to declare COVID containedment as its “overriding Mission”. Some, such as Cabestan, saw this as a direct rebuke to Lam.

Lam stated Friday that she had decided to delay the election by using emergency regulations and she obtained Beijing’s consent.

Lam expressed hope that a new leader will still be available to assume office July 1, after the expiration of her term. However, she stated she could not rule out further delays.

She stated that the epidemic situation was rapidly changing and no one could predict what would happen next.