The 14-day campaign period for Macao’s 8th legislative assembly election kicked off on Saturday with a launch event held at Tap Seac Square.
Organised by the Electoral Affairs Commission, the ceremony was presided over by commission head, Seng Ioi Man, anti-corruption chief Ao Ieong Seong.
“We urge all voters to cast their ballots actively on Election Day, September 14th.”
Seng said in an address reminding candidates of campaign rules, which include a ban on paid advertising on social media platforms. (Those running for office are allowed to use their own channels to get their messages across however.)
Ao pointed out that her department had received over 80 complaints relating to the forthcoming election since the nomination of candidates began in June. Investigations were being conducted into 22 of these cases, most of which dealt with allegedly unauthorised campaign advertising.
Saturday’s launch event was also attended by the 12 organisations participating in the election – six in the direct election and six in the indirect election. Each of the political parties had an opportunity to share their goals and agendas.
[See more: Twelve potential candidates have been barred from Macao’s legislative election]
Meanwhile, TDM aired its customary two-episode programme this weekend, in which groups participating in the direct election discussed their political platforms and fielded questions. The first episode was broadcast on Saturday and featured Song Pek Kei and Lei Leong Wong of Associação dos Cidadãos Unidos de Macau, José Maria Pereira Coutinho and Chan Hao Weng of Nova Esperança, and Leong Hong Sai and Ngan Iek Hang of União Promotora Para O Progresso.
The second episode was aired the following day, with Lao Chi Ngai and Lee Koi Ian of the União de Macau-Guangdong, Lei Cheng I and Leong Sun Iok of the União Para O Desenvolvimento, and Wong Kit Cheng and Loi I Weng of the Aliança de Bom Lar participating.
Candidates have also been organising rallies and press conferences to garner support. União de Macau-Guangdong held a rally at the Three Lamps district last night, which was attended by some 400 people. União Para O Desenvolvimento launched a similar event at Taipa’s Flower City Park the same evening, with around 200 participants.
A number of organisations taking part in the elections also held press conferences yesterday, including União Promotora Para O Progresso, Associação dos Cidadãos Unidos de Macau, Aliança de Bom Lar and União Para O Desenvolvimento. The candidates discussed a myriad of issues ranging from people’s livelihoods to youth unemployment.
Originally, the direct elections were supposed to feature more candidates, but 12 candidates from two electoral lists were disqualified on security grounds.
