The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) has started preparations for the election of deputies from Hong Kong and Macau to the 12th NPC, Xinhua reported Monday.
The general office of the NPC Standing Committee sent letters on Sunday to eligible residents in the two special administrative regions (SARs), asking them if they wish to become members of electoral councils for the election of NPC deputies in their respective regions.
The electoral council in Hong Kong will elect 36 deputies, while that of Macau will elect 12 deputies to the 12th NPC.
Both figures are the same as those for the current 11th NPC, which will end its term in March 2013.
According to the methods used for the election of deputies to the 12th NPC from Macau adopted by the fifth session of the 11th NPC in March, the electoral council of Macau shall consist of the members of the electoral council of the Macau SAR for the election of deputies to the 11th NPC, members of the 11th CPPCC National Committee from Macau who are not on that electoral council, Chinese citizens on the election committee for the election of the third-term chief executive of Macau and Chinese citizens in the fourth Legislative Assembly of Macau excluding those who are not willing to serve on the new electoral council.
More than 380 people are eligible to be members of Macau’s electoral council, an increase of more than 50 people from the last council.
Those who are willing to be members of the electoral council are required to register between July 10 and 25.
The NPC serves a term of five years. The 12th NPC will come into office in March 2013.
Macau’s current 12 NPC deputies are Lei Pui Lam, Chio Ngan Ieng, Paula Ling Hsiao Yun, Io Hong Meng, Kou Hoi In, Jose Chui Sai Peng, Leong Iok Wa, Leong Vai Tac, Lok Po, Ho Iat Seng, Lau Cheok Va and Lao Ngai Leong. Ho, vice-president of the Macau Legislative Assembly, is Macau’s only member of the NPC Standing Committee. (macaunews)
