Hong Kong election = stalemate?

After four weeks of campaigning electioneering, there is still no clear indication as to who will emerge as the next chief executive of Hong Kong. Leung Chun Ying and Henry Tang, the two pro-Beijing candidates out of the three, look likely to cancel out each other in tomorrow's polls. The third man whom I (used to) support, Albert Ho, definitely stands no chance of winning.

The unique thing about this election is that only members of the 1200-strong election committee will get to vote. The public's role is to sit back, enjoy the show and accept whoever their new leader is. At the moment, both Leung and Tang have yet to receive more than 600 nominations, the number which one needs to triumph.

Since China has been keeping mum over its preference until now, do not be surprised to see a stalemate. This would pave way for a new poll to take place on 6 May so that new candidates can join in the fun. President of the Legislative Council, Jasper Tsang, is a strong possibility.

There are still about 300 swing votes up for grabs but the majority of these undecided voters will probably end up casting a blank as they interpret China's stillness as an indication that neither Leung nor Tang is favoured. Both men will have to persuade each other's supporters to pick them if they are determined to beat their rival in the first round.

As Beijing is still playing cards close to its chest, the outcome of this Hong Kong election as a stalemate is on the cards.