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Macao's successful legislative assembly election underscores high-quality democracy under 'patriots governing Macao' principle: spokesperson

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Sep 15, 2025 09:02 AM

The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council congratulated the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on the successful completion of its Eighth Legislative Assembly election, which took place on September 14, said a spokesman from the office in a statement on Monday.

The spokesperson hailed the election as another landmark achievement in fully implementing the principle of "patriots administrating Macao" and advancing a form of high-quality democracy suited to Macao's realities.

This is the first election since the revision of the Legislative Assembly Election Law, which highlighted the healthy, positive and vibrant outlook of high-quality democracy in Macao. By fully and accurately implementing the "One Country, Two Systems" policy and building institutional confidence in its unique practice, the Macao SAR government revised the election law in 2024 to adapt to evolving circumstances.

The revisions improved candidate eligibility standards and review mechanisms, further consolidated the principle of "patriots governing Macao," and optimized electoral procedures to ensure fairness, justice, transparency and integrity, the spokesperson said.

Thanks to these institutional safeguards, voters' democratic rights were fully exercised, and participation was widely encouraged. Civil servants led by example in fulfilling their civic duties, while major community groups and enterprises actively mobilized their members to take part. This election has witnessed unprecedented voter enthusiasm and turnout, reflecting the vitality of Macao's democratic participation, the spokesperson noted.

The success of the election was the result of joint efforts across society. The newly elected legislators' overall caliber has been widely recognized. The Macao SAR government earnestly fulfilled its responsibilities by organizing the election in strict accordance with the law. Candidates and electoral groups actively campaigned, comparing platforms, capabilities, and public image to win voter's support. The broad participation of all sectors of society — guided by a shared sense of responsibility to Macao and the nation — ensured the solemnity and seriousness of the process.

Many highly capable, principled and dynamic candidates, including a number of promising young talents, emerged from the election. As a whole, the new legislature is composed of members with both integrity and ability, diverse backgrounds, and balanced representation, reaching what is widely regarded as the highest level of overall quality in Macao's history.

The spokesperson emphasized that both the central government and the people of Macao have high expectations for the new Legislative Assembly. Standing at a new starting point, Macao faces new circumstances, opportunities, and challenges. The new legislators shoulder a glorious mission and heavy responsibilities.

They are expected to remain committed to their patriotic mission, safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, uphold the Macao SAR's constitutional order and executive-led system, and fully support the Chief Executive and the SAR government in governing according to law.

They are also expected to set an example by demonstrating ambition, inclusiveness, and innovation, while diligently fulfilling their duties. This includes advancing Macao's appropriately diversified economic development, accelerating the construction of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, enhancing social harmony and stability, improving people's livelihoods and contributing to Macao's deeper integration into the national development framework.

The new Legislative Assembly will play an important role in supporting the steady and long-term success of the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" with Macao characteristics, while contributing to national strength and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, the spokesperson said.

Macao SAR Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai on Monday extended congratulations to the 14 directly elected and 12 indirectly elected members preliminarily elected for the eighth Legislative Assembly on behalf of the SAR government, and expressed thanks to all voters who participated in the election, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

The election for the eighth Legislative Assembly of the Macao SAR was held on Sunday, and the initial counting of the votes was completed early Monday morning, Xinhua said.