The Macao Special Administrative Region will not postpone the nomination period for the upcoming six-term chief executive election despite incumbent leader Ho Iat-seng’s announcement that he would not seek re-election.
The nomination process of the election, which is slated for Oct 13, will begin as planned next Thursday and will run until Sept 12. A candidate must get nominations from at least 66 members of the Chief Executive Election Committee.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Macao's incumbent Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng announced that he would not participate in the upcoming election, due to health reasons.
ALSO READ: Macao SAR chief executive Ho says not to run for new term
Sam Hou-fai, president of the Court of Final Appeal of Macao, indicated on Thursday that he is considering running for the election. Local business leader Jorge Chiang, the head of the Macau Institutionalism Association and the Macao Lotus Commerce Association, also announced his candidacy on social media on July 10.
At a press conference on Friday, Song Man-lei, president of the electoral affairs committee for the chief executive election, was questioned about whether Ho’s decision would affect the election schedule, and if additional preparation time would be provided for potential candidates.
Song replied that the election is progressing smoothly, adding that regardless of whoever intends to run for the election, the commission will proceed strictly according to the schedule without any special treatment.
Candidates for the Chief Executive election must also submit a declaration to confirm they uphold the Macao SAR and swear allegiance to the People’s Republic of China and the Macao SAR.
ALSO READ: Macao SAR to elect chief executive on Oct 13
After the nomination period ends, Macao’s committee of safeguarding national security will review the eligibility of the candidates.
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 location to the Complex of Commerce and Trade Co-operation Platform for China and Portuguese-speaking Countries.
Lau Siu-kai, a consultant to the Chinese Association of Hong Kong & 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.
READ MORE: Hong Kong, Macao poised to be global beacons for elites
He added that the central authorities also consider governance experience, capability, and societal support of the candidates, with their social backgrounds being a less significant factor in the decision.
