Under which circumstance must the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region resign?

The requirement for the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to resign is clearly defined under specific circumstances, and the choice indicating that they must resign if they lose the ability to discharge their duties aligns with the principles of good governance and accountability.

When a Chief Executive is unable to fulfill their responsibilities—due to health issues, incapacity, or any other reason that impairs their ability to adequately perform the functions of the office—it is essential for the integrity of the government that a new leader be appointed. This ensures that the administrative functions continue effectively and that the electorate is adequately represented. The principle reinforces the idea that leadership should be active and engaged; without the capacity to lead, it undermines the trust and faith of the public in their governance.

The other circumstances presented do not automatically trigger a requirement for resignation. For instance, voting against a budget by the Legislative Council, while significant, does not mean the Chief Executive must step down; it may instead lead to negotiations or other political maneuvers. Choosing to extend a term is also not a valid reason for resignation unless there are pre-existing rules or conditions that dictate otherwise. Finally, rising public opposition, though a potential challenge to the authority of the Chief Executive, does not constitute a formal