Central gov't office congratulates Macao over successful election

The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council on Monday congratulated the Macao Special Administrative Region on the successful election of its seventh Legislative Assembly.

The election was held on Sunday, and preliminary results were announced early Monday morning, with 26 candidates winning seats — 14 through public vote, and 12 via professional sectors. In addition, seven other candidates will be appointed by Macao Chief Executive Ho lat-seng.

The office said in a statement on Monday that the election was conducted in strict accordance with the Macao SAR Basic Law and the Legislative Assembly Election Law.

The election results demonstrated the principle of "patriots governing Macao", democracy and broad participation of all sectors of society, the office said, adding that the election process was fair, impartial, open, clean and orderly.

The office stressed that the central government is deeply concerned about Macao's long-term prosperity and stability and the well-being of its residents, and it has taken steps to ensure a bright future for Macao's development.

For example, a recently unveiled plan for the Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin is expected to greatly contribute to Macao's socioeconomic development, the office said, adding that "Macao is embracing new and major development opportunities".

As Macao's lawmaking body, the Legislative Assembly plays a strong role in ensuring the principle of "one country, two systems" is accurately followed, the office said.

The assembly should also work to promote the appropriately diversified development of Macao's economy, resolve issues concerning people's livelihood and deepen cooperation between Macao and the mainland in various fields, it added.

"We hope that the elected members will live up to the trust of the Macao people, perform their duties and actively support the SAR government in governing the region in accordance with the law," the office said.

It called for the members to work with all sectors of society to contribute to the "one country, two systems" principle with Macao characteristics as well as to the rejuvenation of China as a whole.