Constraints on Tung Chee-hwa`s Power and His Governance of Hong Kong

Abstract

This article argues that although Tung Chee-hwa, the first Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive, is invested with relatively great constitutional powers, an in-depth analysis of Hong Kong’s political system reveals that such constitutional powers are limited by constraints in at least seven areas imposed by the political system. the Chinese government; Hong Kong society; the election method for the HKSAR Chief Executive; the Preparatory Committee; the Legislative Council (Legco); the civil service; and public resources. Among these constraints, the Chinese government and Hong Kong society are of special importance, as they constitute the two principal pillars of Tung’s ruling legitimacy.