Macao’s Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng said yesterday that “no decision has been made” on whether he will run for another term of office. He was speaking at a press conference to wrap up the week-long visit to the SAR by Xia Baolong – the central government’s top official on Macao affairs.
Although the polls must be held by October, Ho told reporters that there were “no discussions” with Xia on the next Chief Executive election, the Macau Post Daily reported.
Ho said that preparatory work was still being carried out – such as the registration of candidates of the election committee – and his own candidacy for the top job was undecided.
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He said: “We have not yet reached this point in the election process and, therefore, no decision has been made yet, but I will make an announcement if I have made a decision.”
In response to persistent queries from reporters, Ho added “I’m not going to share anything about [my possible candidacy] today.”
A date for the CE election has not been announced, but by law it must be held at least 60 days before the incumbent’s full term is completed, meaning that Ho is required to schedule the election before 20 October.
