Which authority has the power to appoint the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region?

The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is appointed by the Central People's Government (CPG) of the People's Republic of China. This authority is established under the Basic Law of Hong Kong, which serves as the constitutional document governing the region. The appointment of the Chief Executive is a key part of Hong Kong's political structure, reflecting the relationship between the region and the central government.

The Basic Law stipulates that the CPG has the ultimate authority in matters related to the governance of Hong Kong, including the effective appointment of its chief executive, thereby ensuring that the administration aligns with the policies of the national government. This central role of the CPG underscores the principle of "one country, two systems," wherein Hong Kong maintains a degree of autonomy within the framework of the Chinese state.

In this context, options like the Hong Kong Legislative Council or local residents voting reflect different levels of local governance but do not have the authority to appoint the Chief Executive. Likewise, the United Nations does not play a direct role in the internal governance of Hong Kong, as it respects the sovereignty of member states over their internal political matters. Therefore, the Central People's Government is the correct and definitive authority for the appointment of Hong Kong's Chief Executive.