People in Hong Kong have been invited to send in questions for the first Chief Executive Election Debate.
People in Hong Kong have been invited to send in questions for the first Chief Executive Election Debate.
The event is scheduled to be televised on Thursday, and people being asked to send questions by fax or email.
The event is scheduled to be televised on Thursday, and people being asked to send questions by fax or email.
The public is barred from the debate, causing critics to say it will be as meaningless as the election itself.
The public is barred from the debate, causing critics to say it will be as meaningless as the election itself.
Election of the chief executive is by an 800-member electoral college, the majority of which has already pledged support for incumbent Donald Tsang.
Election of the chief executive is by an 800-member electoral college, the majority of which has already pledged support for incumbent Donald Tsang.
Mr Tsang remains China's chosen leader for Hong Kong.
Mr Tsang remains China's chosen leader for Hong Kong.
Tight controls
Tight controls
During the debate, only five minutes have been set aside for answering the public's questions, and the rules exclude any questions containing criticism, nicknames, bias, sarcasm or offensive language.
During the debate, only five minutes have been set aside for answering the public's questions, and the rules exclude any questions containing criticism, nicknames, bias, sarcasm or offensive language.
In a special concession, questioners will be able to refer to incumbent Chief Executive Donald Tsang as bow-tie, and democratic challenger Alan Leong as pocket handkerchief, as these have been designated as descriptions of dress rather than nicknames.
In a special concession, questioners will be able to refer to incumbent Chief Executive Donald Tsang as bow-tie, and democratic challenger Alan Leong as pocket handkerchief, as these have been designated as descriptions of dress rather than nicknames.
The only people able to question the candidates during the debate are the 800 members of the Election Committee.
The only people able to question the candidates during the debate are the 800 members of the Election Committee.
The controls over this debate mirror the strict limits set on the election as a whole.
The controls over this debate mirror the strict limits set on the election as a whole.
Independent legislator Emily Lau says any participation only gives credence to a process which is fundamentally flawed.
Independent legislator Emily Lau says any participation only gives credence to a process which is fundamentally flawed.
Democratic candidate Alan Leong says he is participating to highlight how the level of restrictions behind the entire process.
Democratic candidate Alan Leong says he is participating to highlight how the level of restrictions behind the entire process.
He is conducting a campaign, with policy platforms and daily press appearances, as if the election were for real.
He is conducting a campaign, with policy platforms and daily press appearances, as if the election were for real.
His ideas about reforming the Basic Law, which governs Hong Kong under Chinese sovereignty, have made him a target for a barrage of heavy criticism from pro-Beijing figures.
His ideas about reforming the Basic Law, which governs Hong Kong under Chinese sovereignty, have made him a target for a barrage of heavy criticism from pro-Beijing figures.
By choosing to play by the rules of Thursday's debate, he will subject himself to more of the same.
By choosing to play by the rules of Thursday's debate, he will subject himself to more of the same.
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