Leung Chun-ying, a former property surveyor who has pledged to answer calls to expand voting rights and address widening inequality, was chosen Sunday as Hong Kong’s next chief executive, Bloomberg reported. A 1,193-member panel of the territory’s eligible voters selected Leung over Henry Tang, the candidate previously considered a shoo-in. Beijing had initially backed Tang for the post, but a combination of extra-marital affairs and illegal property construction made him toxic in the eyes of many Hong Kong residents. Mainland China’s leaders switched to backing Leung, who opinion polls show is much more popular among Hong Kong residents than Tang. “Rule of law, human rights, lack of corruption and press freedom are all part of our life,” said Leung after his victory. “This election has helped build a foundation for universal suffrage in 2017.” Critics say Leung may be overly sympathetic to the Chinese Communist Party.