The nomination period for the Oct 13 sixth-term chief executive election of the Macao Special Administrative Region will begin as planned on Thursday and run through Sept 12.

At a news conference on Friday, Song Man-lei, president of the Electoral Affairs Commission, said the election schedule was not affected by Macao Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng’s announcement on Wednesday that he will not seek re-election. She also said that no additional preparation time is needed for potential candidates.

A candidate must secure nominations from at least 66 members of the 400-member Chief Executive Election Committee.

Song said the election plans are progressing smoothly, and the commission will proceed strictly according to schedule without any special treatment for anyone, regardless of who intends to run.

After Ho announced his decision not to run again, citing health reasons, several social leaders have expressed an interest in running. Among them are Sam Hou-fai, president of the Court of Final Appeal of Macao, and Jorge Chiang, head of the Macau Institutionalism Association and the Macao Lotus Commerce Association.

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Lau Siu-kai, a consultant to the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, said that the primary requirement for the next Macao chief executive is to have a high level of trust from the central government.

He added that the central authorities also will consider governance experience, capability, and societal support of the candidates, with their social backgrounds being a less significant factor in the decision.

Candidates for chief executive must also submit a declaration to confirm they support the Macao SAR and swear allegiance to the People’s Republic of China and the Macao SAR.

After the nomination period, Macao’s committee charged with safeguarding national security will review the eligibility of the candidates.

READ MORE: Macao SAR's CE election nomination period set for Aug 29-Sept 12

The past two Macao chief executive elections were held at the Macau East Asian Games Dome. Song said the Electoral Affairs Commission is considering moving the venue to the Complex of Commerce and Trade Co-operation Platform for China and Portuguese-speaking Countries.