Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) has preliminarily elected 26 legislators to its eighth Legislative Assembly, marking a milestone in the region's governance under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework. The Electoral Affairs Commission announced the results early Monday following Sunday's elections, which saw 14 directly elected and 12 indirectly elected members secure seats. Seven additional members will be appointed by Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai within 15 days.
Voter turnout underscored public engagement in the first legislative election since last year's amendments to the Legislative Assembly Election Law. The revisions strengthened candidate qualification reviews to ensure adherence to the "patriots administering Macao" principle while streamlining electoral procedures.
Chief Executive Sam praised the election's "lawful, fair, and clean" conduct, thanking electoral staff and voters. "This election safeguards our constitutional order and ensures the steady implementation of 'One Country, Two Systems,'" he stated, emphasizing collaboration between the SAR government and new legislature to boost economic development and social welfare.
The 33-member assembly, comprising directly elected representatives, industry-based indirect elections, and executive appointments, reflects Macao's unique governance model. Recent legal adjustments aim to align electoral processes with national security priorities while maintaining regional autonomy.
Analysts note the election reinforces Macao's political stability as it navigates post-pandemic recovery. The new legislature's four-year term begins with expectations to address economic diversification and deepen integration with mainland development initiatives.
