Hong Kong chief executive race: surging coronavirus cases will keep campaigning low-key but Beijing may not mind a quiet affair, say analysts

First leadership race since electoral system overhaul unlikely to see candidates going out to meet people

Postponing March 27 poll could spark discord in pro-Beijing camp and will not look good, observers say

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Electoral Affairs Commission staff move ballot boxes onto the stage for the 2017 election. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 9:00am, 12 Feb 2022Updated: 2:23pm, 14 Feb 2022

In the first of a three-part series on Hong Kong’s coming chief executive election, Chris Lau looks at the impact of going ahead with the poll amid a surge in Covid-19 infections.

The Hong Kong government’s decision to press on with plans for next month’s chief executive election has raised concerns that surging Covid-19 infections will prevent candidates from making themselves better known to the public.

Previous elections saw hopefuls meeting Hongkongers at rallies, appearing at cha chaan teng, the popular local cafes, as well as visiting homes for the underprivileged and going on bus parades.

Such activities appear unlikely if the election is held on March 27 as planned, as Covid-19 cases have reached new peaks in the city’s fifth wave of infections and are expected to rise higher.

But some have warned that postponing the election – which will need Beijing’s approval – could spark discord within the pro-establishment camp itself, and give the impression that the city government and Beijing do not respect Hong Kong’s constitutional order.