Statement by the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office
September 15, 2025
Beijing
Yesterday, a spokesperson for the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office issued a statement indicating that the eighth Legislative Assembly election of the Macao Special Administrative Region was successfully held on Sunday.
This marks another significant achievement in the full implementation of the principle of “Patriots Governing Macao” and the promotion of high-quality democracy that aligns with Macao’s realities, for which we offer our congratulations!
The spokesperson noted that this election is the first practice following the amendments to the Legislative Assembly Election Law in the Macao Special Administrative Region, demonstrating a healthy, positive, and vibrant atmosphere of high-quality democracy. The Macao Special Administrative Region fully and accurately implements the “One Country, Two Systems” policy, firmly holds confidence in the successful practice of “One Country, Two Systems” with Macao characteristics, and, based on summarising experiences, actively adapts to the demands of practical development and changes in the situation, having revised the Legislative Assembly Election Law in 2024.
The revisions improved and refined the eligibility criteria and review mechanisms for candidates, further implementing the principle of “Patriots Governing Macao,” and optimised the procedures for each stage of the election to ensure fairness, justice, openness, and integrity in the electoral process. Under solid institutional guarantees, the democratic rights of voters were fully exercised, and participation in the voting process was supported and encouraged. Civil servants took the lead in fulfilling their civic duties, with widespread voting participation. Various social groups and enterprises actively took on social responsibilities, mobilising their members to vote enthusiastically.
The broad social participation, high enthusiasm among voters, and unprecedented turnout in this election vividly reflected the positive state of democracy and participation in Macao. The spokesperson stated that the success of this election is the result of the joint efforts of all sectors in the Macao Special Administrative Region, and the newly elected legislators have received widespread recognition from Macao society for their comprehensive qualities.
The Macao Special Administrative Region Government effectively fulfills the primary responsibility of the executive-led system, organising the election in strict accordance with the law. All participating groups and candidates were fully engaged and actively campaigned, competing on their policies, abilities, and image to win the support of voters. People from all walks of life participated in the election activities with a serious and responsible spirit towards Macao and the nation, protecting and building a common home. It is pleasing to see that many outstanding talents, especially young individuals with strong convictions, abilities, and a good image, stood out in this election.
Overall, the newly elected Legislative Assembly members demonstrate both virtue and talent, possess various specialisations, come from diverse backgrounds, and have a reasonable structure, with their comprehensive qualities at an historically high level. This has been widely praised by society. The spokesperson stressed that the central government and the citizens of Macao have high hopes for the new Legislative Assembly members. Macao stands at a new starting point, facing new situations, opportunities, and challenges. The new Legislative Assembly members have a glorious mission and significant responsibilities.
We hope and believe that the new Legislative Assembly members will uphold their patriotic and Macao-loving aspirations, consciously and firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, maintain the constitutional order and executive-led system of the Special Administrative Region, and fully support the Chief Executive and the Special Administrative Region Government in governing according to the law. They are expected to strive upwards, serve as models for ambition and inclusivity, and fulfil their duties effectively, making substantial contributions to promoting the appropriate diversification of Macao’s economy, accelerating the construction of the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, maintaining social harmony and stability, improving public welfare, and better integrating Macao into the national development landscape, thus contributing to the stable and long-lasting success of “One Country, Two Systems” with Macao characteristics.
N.B. Translation arranged by the Post
