Legislative Assembly Electoral Affairs Committee (CAEAL) President Tong Hio Fong said on Wednesday that his committee had decided not to postpone the September 17 polling day in spite of the devastation caused by Typhoon Hato last week, after evaluating various factors.
According to The Macau Post Daily, Tong made the remarks after reporters had asked him about the matter.
The direct and indirect legislative elections are scheduled to take place on September 17 while the official campaign period runs from Saturday to September 15.
Speaking to reporters after a regular meeting of the government-appointed body at the Public Administration Building in Rua do Campo, Tong, a judge by profession, said even though some of the polling stations were damaged when Hato hammered Macau last Wednesday, the damage could be repaired before polling day.
Pointing out many legal procedures will need to be carried out right after the elections, Tong warned that if the original polling day is delayed, the move could affect the incoming legislature’s operation.
Citing the Legislative Assembly Election Law, Tong said if a natural disaster happens on polling day, the chief executive would have to choose another day for the ballot. He said the new polling day would have to be held within 30 days after the previously scheduled election day.
It is customary in Macau that elections take place on a Sunday.
