Hong Kong Election Committee’s mainland China-linked ‘patriotic force’ likely to dampen influence of property tycoons
- At least 101 candidates linked directly to Chinese enterprises or mainland-affiliated business associations
- Odds appear stacked against Hong Kong developers once regarded as ‘kingmakers’ on committee
Top executives of mainland Chinese enterprises and business associations make up a new “patriotic force” in Hong Kong’s powerful revamped Election Committee, drastically weakening the political clout of the city’s property tycoons.
But a Post review of the 1,056 who stepped up found at least 101 were linked directly to Chinese enterprises or mainland-affiliated business associations.
Along with seats set aside for appointed officials and several newly created subsectors tailor-made for the pro-establishment camp, the committee will be packed with at least 1,006 Beijing loyalists.
That will give Beijing absolute control over the selection of Hong Kong’s next chief executive in March.
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Hong Kong's revamped electoral system bolsters pro-Beijing influence in key decision-making bodies