Hong Kong elects Chief Executive in muddled waters

Hong Kong will select a new leader on Sunday in a vote skewed towards Beijing that has once more opened up the city's political divisions. Pro-democracy campaigners describe the election process as a farce and predict weekend protests as the prospect of political reform in the semi-autonomous city appears more unattainable than ever.

Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's former chief secretary, stands for a photograph after submitting her nomination form for the chief executive election Source: Bloomberg

Former deputy leader Carrie Lam is seen as Beijing's favourite for the job, and some pro-establishment members of the electoral committee say they have come under pressure to vote for her.

Lam is intensely disliked by the pro-democracy camp after promoting the Beijing-backed political reform package which prompted 2014's "Umbrella Movement" that paralysed parts of the city for more than two months.