One can only hope that, with the divisive Leung Chun-Ying now watching the race for chief executive from the sidelines, this will be the year in which the sad cycle of failed executive leadership in Hong Kong is finally broken.
Article 39 of the Hong Kong Basic Law states that self-determination is an inherent right of the people and are supported by the two international human rights conventions. The people of Hong Kong must not take this right for granted. In Switzerland the barrier for petitions for referendums is long 50,000 signatures, meaning people can vote on public issues with no need to take to the streets. Otherwise, when dictatorship becomes a reality, it is the duty of the people to resist. See the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development.
