CAEAL backs National Security Committee’s review opinion

The Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election (CAEAL) reaffirmed its support for the Committee for Safeguarding National Security’s qualification review opinion during yesterday’s press briefing, stating it had no further comments on the assertion that the disqualification of one group member would lead to the condemnation of the entire campaign.

“The CAEAL supports the opinion of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security, which stated that the [12 disqualified] candidates did not meet the eligibility requirements,” said Seng Ioi Man, president of the CAEAL yesterday.

“The CAEAL has already provided an explanation of this decision and has no additional comments,” he added.

He also referenced the Legislative Assembly Election Law, indicating that the Committee for Safeguarding National Security made its decision based on proper procedures and the facts they had.

With the media continuing to ask whether the disqualification of one member in a group would lead to consequences for the entire team, Seng responded, “I already answered this question last time, and I have nothing further to add.”

Alberto Wong from the “Macau Create People’s Livelihood Force” campaign sent messages to various media outlets, including the Times and some Portuguese-language media, claiming that the CAEAL asked him to voluntarily withdraw from the election.

He described this situation using strong terms such as “sentencing to death” and expressed grievances about the fairness of the selection process.

In response, Seng stated that the CAEAL condemns any false statements regarding the election and reserves the right to take legal action.

The CAEAL highlighted that the aforementioned remarks were not aligned with the facts.

“The CAEAL condemns comments that are inconsistent with the facts of the election, as these remarks may constitute defamation or smear campaigning against the election. We reserve the right to take legal action against those responsible for spreading false information,” Seng stressed.

The CAEAL held a press briefing yesterday noon to announce guidelines for distributing campaign materials, urging all candidate groups to submit registration forms for three categories by August 27.

According to Seng, the first category includes promotional items like leaflets and pens bearing candidate details. The second covers rally items for supporters, such as whistles and balloons in candidate colors.

The third pertains to staff apparel and equipment, including T-shirts and hats that may display candidate information, alongside items like eco-bags that can use candidate colors but not specific identifiers.

Seng emphasized that campaign promotional materials can only be distributed to the public during the official campaign period from August 30 to September 12 and should not be given out in combination, such as in gift packages.

He warned, “If campaign materials have a welfare nature, it could be considered vote buying.”

The legislative direct and indirect elections on September 14 will feature 38 and 5 polling stations, respectively, with over 770 voting booths – an increase of more than 80 from the previous election.

The booths will have semi-transparent covers for privacy and will be equipped with dedicated ballot stamps and lighting. Additionally, posters reminding voters not to take photos and providing instructions on how to fill out the ballots will be displayed on the walls.

Seng noted that over 1,300 poll workers will be present at polling stations and 1,500 will be stationed outside on election day.

Currently, 2,200 government officials have been recruited for screening, with the first phase of training completed between June 26 and 30, while the second phase will take place in batches from next month to September.