Hong Kong likely to choose Beijing's pick for leader amid tension, economic malaise

Chief Executive election candidate and former Chief Secretary Carrie Lam signs autographs for supporters during an election campaign in Hong Kong, China March 23, 2017. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong on Sunday will likely select Beijing's favoured candidate for its next leader who some say will further divide a city where middle class families have become increasingly disaffected by political tension and economic hardship.

The former British colony, governed under a "one country, two systems" arrangement, was promised a high degree of autonomy and the right to select its chief executive when it was handed over to Communist Chinese rule in 1997.