Sore losers

Let's put it plainly: there are some among us who still refuse to accept the result of the chief executive election and hold an antagonistic attitude towards Leung Chun-ying. This is partly because they do not accept what they deem to be an undemocratic, small-circle election, and partly because they do not like Leung.

This is unfortunate, as such an attitude is not conducive to democratic development. Through a commonly accepted process, a political leader is elected. Hong Kong's constitutional model is not unlike the American presidential system: the leader elected may enjoy majority support, but he will never be able to capture all the votes, and in some cases more than 40 per cent of the population may have voted for other candidates. After the election, the slate is wiped clean and everyone should support the new leader for the good of the community.

Now Leung won nearly 60per cent of the effective votes, which is by no means low. He got them through legitimate means prescribed by the Basic Law. Whether or not those who did not vote for him like him, it is not a reason to sabotage his government because all of us will suffer for it. Nobody has the right to inflict such punishment on the public.

Some of Leung's opponents will argue that they will only abide by rules that are fair and democratic; since this one is not they are entitled to disobey. This argument is ludicrous but let's for the moment follow its dubious logic. The overriding rule is simple: if you don't think a game is fair and just, then don't play. There are many options: leave, revolt, boycott, etc.