Macao SAR gov't, liaison office of central gov't firmly support Legislative Assembly election commission's decision

MACAO - The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government and the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR on Tuesday voiced firm support for Macao's Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election in carrying out its duties in accordance with law and rendering some candidates unqualified to stand for election.

The commission announced Tuesday that 20 candidates were rendered unqualified to stand for the direct election of the upcoming Legislative Assembly election for having not upheld the Macao SAR Basic Law, or not pledging allegiance to the Macao SAR.

The number of candidate lists for the direct election was reduced by five from 19 to 14.

The SAR government said that upholding the Macao SAR Basic Law and pledging allegiance to the Macao SAR are the fundamental standards for members of the Legislative Assembly, noting that it is the responsibilities of the commission to examine the qualifications of candidates in accordance with law so as to safeguard the overall interests of the Macao SAR and the constitutional order as stipulated in China's Constitution and the Macao SAR Basic Law, and implement the principle of "patriots administering Macao."

The SAR government stressed that disqualifying certain candidates does not affect the basic rights enjoyed by Macao residents in accordance with law, the freedom of speech they enjoy, or their right to know and supervise the SAR government's work.

The SAR government vowed to continue supporting the commission in carrying out its duties in accordance with law to ensure the steady and sustained implementation of "one country, two systems" and maintain the long-term prosperity and stability of Macao.

The liaison office said making sure members of the Legislative Assembly uphold the Macao SAR Basic Law and pledge allegiance to the Macao SAR is an inevitable requirement for implementing "one country, two systems" and safeguarding the fundamental interests of the country and Macao.

The office stressed that the decision of the commission serves the overall and long-term interests of the Macao SAR and the vital interests of Macao residents, adding that the decision is of profound and lasting significance to maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of Macao, guaranteeing the livelihood and well-being of Macao compatriots and promoting the steady and sustained implementation of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics.