Sam Hou Fai Elected Macao SAR's Sixth-Term Chief Executive Designate

MACAO, Oct 13 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Sam Hou Fai was elected by an overwhelming majority as the sixth-term chief executive designate of China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Sunday, reported Xinhua.

He won the election with 394 votes in favour out of 398 valid ballots. Song Man Lei, president of the Electoral Affairs Commission for the Chief Executive Election, announced Sam the winner.

According to Macao's Chief Executive Election Law, an election is valid if two-thirds of the 400-member election committee are present to vote. To be elected, a candidate must receive support from more than half of the committee's members, which is at least 200 votes.

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As prescribed by the Basic Law of the Macao SAR, the chief executive is elected by a broadly representative Chief Executive Election Committee and is then appointed by the Central People's Government. The chief executive serves a five-year term and may be re-elected once.

After Song announced the election result, warm applause was heard in the hall.

In his speech upon election, Sam Hou Fai expressed his gratitude to the committee members.

"I am grateful to all the election committee members for their recognition and support, which allows me to continue serving Macao, the country, and the broader public in a higher, more comprehensive, and more strategic capacity," he said.

According to the Basic Law, the chief executive is accountable to the central government and to the Macao SAR. Sam noted that he will be steadfast in these significant duties and responsibilities.

He highlighted his commitment to faithfully fulfilling his political platform and manifesto, with the primary goal of meeting people's expectations for a better life. His highest principles will be fully, accurately, and steadfastly implementing the "one country, two systems" policy and safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, he said.

In accordance with the provisions of the Chief Executive Election Law, the election result will be submitted to the Court of Final Appeal for confirmation, and thereafter published in the Macao SAR Gazette.  

-- BERNAMA-XINHUA