A swearing-in ceremony for members of the Electoral Affairs Commission for the Chief Executive Election was held on Monday, the government says.
At the ceremony, commission president Song Man Lei told reporters that the election would follow the principles of fairness, impartiality, and integrity, and that the commission would hold its first meeting this week.
She also drew attention to the revised Chief Executive Election Law. This requires holders of Macao’s top office to pledge allegiance to the People’s Republic of China – something not required previously.
[See more: A polling date for members of the CE Election Committee has been decided ]
Under the amended law, candidates for the role of chief executive are assessed by a Committee for Safeguarding National Security, which can disqualify a candidate on national security grounds.
Regulations state that an election must be called at least 60 days before a full term is completed – in this case, before 20 October.
Incumbent Ho Iat Seng has not said if he intends to stand for another term.
