Donald Tsang has enjoyed the support of most Hong Kong people since he became Acting Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) in mid-March, and his running for the Chief Executive election accords with public opinion, a leading official with the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong said on Thursday. 
   
Li Gang, deputy director of the Liaison Office, made the remarks while answering questions posed by reporters at an inauguration ceremony of the board of the Hong Kong Commercial and Industry Association Ltd.
   
He said that since Tsang started serving as Acting Chief Executive, he has done a great deal of work towards implementing the principle of "One Country, Two Systems", and maintaining Hong Kong's prosperity, stability and social harmony.
   
"I think this is obvious to all," Li said.  
   
The Election Committee is composed of 800 members and is broadly representative, Li said. He added he believes each member will make their choice responsibly and in the spirit of political honesty, and in accordance with public opinion.
   
He noted that the duty of the Liaison Office is to maintain contact with all segments of Hong Kong society, and support the Hong Kong SAR government's mandate in accordance with the law.
   
He said he believes that the Chief Executive by-elections will be conducted openly, fairly and equitably.

(Xinhua News Agency May 27, 2005)