The amendments to the Chief Executive Election Law of China's Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) takes effect today, the MSAR government said yesterday.
Nominees for the election of the MSAR chief executive and candidates for electing members of the chief executive electoral committee must meet the qualifications of upholding the MSAR Basic Law and pledging allegiance to the MSAR, according to the amendments.
In addition, they must not be members of foreign parliaments or governments. The qualifications of the nominees and candidates are subject to examination by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the MSAR.
Applications of nominees and candidates who are deemed having not upheld the MSAR Basic Law or pledged allegiance to the MSAR in the current year or the previous five years will not be accepted, according to the amendments.
The amendments also stepped up containment of irregularities in the election process. Incitement to not voting or casting null or void ballots constitutes a crime.
The amended election law is also applicable in areas outside the MSAR for certain crimes, including affecting the election process by means of coercion or intimidation, incitement to not voting or casting null or void ballots, and bribery.
- Xinhua, MPD
