Hong Kong’s Chief Executive-elect Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor vowed to mend the divided Hong Kong society, reduce social tensions and reach out to those who did not support her.
During her acceptance speech on Sunday afternoon, she said that core values “underpin Hong Kong’s prosperity,” referring to a clean government and the rule of law.
"I pledge I will uphold and safeguard these core values which are actually enshrined in the 'One Country, Two Systems' and the Basic Law.”
Lam was elected the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Sunday – the first woman to hold the top post. She will take office on July 1, 2017.
She garnered 777 of the 1,163 valid votes cast by the 1,200-strong Electoral Affairs Commission of the HKSAR. John Tsang Chun-wah, former financial secretary and Lam's closest rival received 365 votes, while retired judge Woo Kwok-hing got 21.
Lam said that, as chief executive, she has the duty to “speak up on behalf of the Hong Kong people.”
Tsang congratulated Lam during a press conference after the results of the election were out. He said he hoped Hong Kong would become more democratic, inclusive and prosperous.
“I respect the decision of the election committee members,” he said.
Incumbent Chief Executive of the HKSAR Leung Chun-ying also extended his congratulatory wishes to Lam for winning the fifth-term chief executive election.
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