Tsang to retain LegCo presidency

Pro-Beijing Jasper Tsang Yok-sing will retain his post as President of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council.

Tsang is heavily favored to be re-elected for another four years during today’s election against Alan Leong, Civic Party leader and former candidate for Chief Executive in 2007. Hong Kong's new group of lawmakers will elect their new president during today’s first meeting of the territory's fifth LegCo.

Leong is at a major disadvantage since his allied pro-democracy lawmakers only control 27 out of 70 seats in the legislature.

Tsang is a founding member of the Beijing-friendly Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong, one of the largest political parties in the city, and served as its Chairman from 1992 to 2003. He was elected as President of LegCo following the legislative elections in 2008.

It is generally accepted that Tsang is a member of the Communist Party although he has not directly admitted this.

Tsang’s leadership style alternates between the abrasive and the accommodating. He has been criticized for the autocratic manner in which he presides over LegCo meetings, which has led to walkout protests. Despite this, Tsang is perceived as even-handed and enjoys friendly relations with both pro-China and pro-democracy legislators.