Opinion | Leadership election not only shines spotlight on candidates – Hong Kong is on parade

The next chief executive’s commitment to ‘one country, two systems’ is vital to the city’s continued stability and prosperity

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A pro-democracy protester stands on a banner featuring a picture of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying during a rally. Photo: AFP

Published: 4:18pm, 22 Dec 2016Updated: 6:48pm, 22 Dec 2016

The ABC (anyone but CY) campaign came to a drop-jaw halt when CY unexpectedly announced his decision not to seek a second term.

There’s jubilation at his impending departure. There’s also regret from those who think he’s done a great job.

From such a divergent response, it would take a fool not to see signs of disharmony here. It would take a bigger fool not to do something about it.

Fortunately, former judge Woo Kwok-hing – the first to declare his candidacy back in October – revealed last week his election manifesto, which includes the objective of bringing people together. He’s a kindly looking man. Give him a red hood and a white beard, he could easily be Father Christmas.

Last week came also the honourable Regina Ip’s formal bid for the top post, under the banner slogan of “winning back Hong Kong”. Citing polarisation as a reason for putting herself forward, she gave the impression she could unite people here. Give her the same hood and beard, she’ll still be Regina.

The race for the city’s top post is hotting up.

The luminaries on parade have set high standards for other luminaries to follow. Indeed, not only are the candidates on parade, this international city itself is on parade.