The local government yesterday voiced firm opposition to the remarks made by a spokesperson for the US Department of State on Macau’s upcoming Legislative Assembly elections.
The government said in a statement that the elections are purely Macau’s internal affairs, which brook no interference from any foreign institution.
The Legislative Assembly Electoral Affairs Commission’s decision to disqualify certain candidates from running in the direct election was an execution of power based on the Legislative Assembly Election Law to examine the qualifications of candidates, and the commission’s decision has been upheld by Macau’s Court of Final Appeal (TUI, the statement pointed out.
The government reiterated that it will always guarantee Macau residents’ basic rights and freedom of speech, support the commission to perform its duties in accordance with the law and ensure that the 7th Legislative Assembly elections proceeds smoothly.
The direct and indirect elections will be held on September 12.
While 14 lawmakers will be directly elected by popular vote, 12 will be indirectly elected by association representatives. After the elections, the chief executive will appoint seven lawmakers. The legislature has 33 members.
