The Chief Executive is the head of the HKSAR. He is also the head of the Government of the HKSAR. He is responsible for implementing the Basic Law, signing bills and budgets passed by the Legislative Council, promulgating laws, making decisions on government policies and issuing executive orders. He is assisted by the Executive Council in policy-making.

    In accordance with the Basic Law, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR is selected by election or through consultations held locally and appointed by the Central People's Government (CPG). The Basic Law provides that the method for selecting the Chief Executive shall be specified in the light of the actual situation in the HKSAR and in accordance with the principle of gradual and orderly progress.

    The present Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, was elected for a second term in 2002 by an 800-member Election Committee which is broadly representative of different sectors in the community. Mr Tung assumed office on July 1, 2002, for a five-year term.