Donald Tsang, who has just become chief executive designate of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said Thursday afternoon that will live up to the expectations of the central government and Hong Kong citizens.

He made the remarks at a press conference after the Returning Officer for the Chief Executive Election announced the return of the election.

Returning Officer for the Chief Executive Election Carley Chu announced that Donald Tsang was the only valid candidate in the Chief Executive Election of the HKSAR and has thus automatically become the Chief Executive designate, in accordance with Section 17 of the Chief Executive Election Ordinance.

Tsang thanked members of the Election Committee and Hong Kong citizens who expressed support for him.

He said he will honor the commitment he made during his election campaign and live up to the expectations of the central government and Hong Kong citizens.

Tsang said it was the first for him to run for an election and that the CE election has been an exhilarating experience for him, as he will treasure it dearly.

He said he is grateful to those who offered him opinions and asked him questions, adding "all of these have been very valuable. "

He said the dialogues he had started with various sectors of the community are only a beginning, and pledged to continue the dialogues in the years to come.

"Now the election is over, we will be able to come together, joining hands and working towards the best interest of Hong Kong," Tsang said.

"Let us unite as one heart and one mind, let us restore social harmony, and let us work together for the better future of Hong Kong," he said.

Source: Xinhua