Macao's electoral authorities have disqualified 12 candidates from two electoral lists for September's Legislative Assembly election, citing their failure to uphold the Basic Law and pledge allegiance to the region. The decision marks the first major test of the 2024 amendments to Macao's Electoral Law, which strengthened candidate vetting mechanisms to reinforce the principle of 'patriots administering Macao.'
Legal Framework Strengthened
Electoral Affairs Commission Chairman Seng Ioi Man confirmed the disqualifications followed binding recommendations from the Macao Committee for Safeguarding National Security. The revised law empowers the national security body to issue non-appealable reviews on candidate eligibility, with the electoral commission required to implement its decisions.
Election Integrity Assured
All other candidate lists were approved following thorough reviews, with authorities emphasizing procedural compliance. Seng stated the process "strictly adheres to legal requirements" to ensure a fair election. The September 14 vote will select 14 directly elected and 12 indirectly elected legislators for the SAR's eighth Legislative Assembly.
