CAEAL declines appeals from disqualified candidates

The Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election (CAEAL) has rejected a letter of appeal from disqualified candidate Alberto Wong, citing legal provisions that bar any objections or judicial appeals.

Wong, who was found ineligible to run, submitted the appeal on Wednesday.

On Friday, the commission reiterated that under the Legislative Assembly Election Law, decisions based on national security assessments are final and cannot be challenged.

No declaratory challenge or judicial appeal can be made against CAEAL’s decision regarding a candidate’s ineligibility, as this is based on a binding opinion from the Committee for Safeguarding National Security.

The Government Information Bureau (GCS) issued a press release on Friday, stating that a few days prior, a rejected list of candidates submitted a letter to the CAEAL to make a so-called “appeal.”

The CAEAL, referencing the Legislative Assembly Election Law, reaffirmed that no dissenting declaration or judicial appeal can be made against its decision on a candidate’s eligibility, as determined by the binding opinion of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security.

It further stated, “Consequently, the CAEAL did not accept the so-called ‘appeal’ from the relevant lists of candidates and has communicated this to their trustees.”

“All electoral work and procedures must be conducted in strict accordance with the provisions of the election law. The CAEAL is dedicated to upholding this principle and will continue to work diligently to maintain order throughout the election, ensuring that it is carried out ‘smoothly, fairly, justly, and honestly,'” it added.

Disqualified candidate Wong of the “Macau Create People’s Livelihood Force” campaign, accompanied by members of his campaign team, visited the CAEAL on Wednesday to submit a letter of appeal and request a refund of the security deposit.

In his appeal letter, Wong emphasized that disqualified candidates should have the right to know the specific reasons for their “non-support” and “non-allegiance.” He also stressed that they have consistently upheld the law by actively demonstrating patriotism and love for Macau in their daily lives and work.

As of Saturday, Wong sent a message to several media outlets, announcing his decision to withdraw the appeal.

He criticized the election process, stating, “This time, Macau’s election system appears very dark and unfair. A week before July 15, we were approached by four entities,” naming government agencies, including CAEAL. “God bless Macau!,” he concluded.(See update below.)

Another disqualified candidate, Ron Lam, expressed his confusion over his disqualification during a recent program on a Hong Kong commercial radio station.

He emphasized that he had submitted all required documents on the day of his candidacy, including pledges of support and allegiance.

Lam further stated that he never suspected he had committed any national security offenses and had made every effort to attend all meetings over the past four years.

He denied that his disqualification was related to a December 20 interview published by Hong Kong media outlet Ming Pao, featuring his remark on the emergence of a “pan-national security” atmosphere in Macau, noting a reduced space for media coverage and the public’s reluctance to voice grievances.

Lam highlighted that their campaign was the only one that did not receive any government subsidies, relying solely on his salary to fund the office and team.

However, he pledged to continue expressing his views on current affairs if asked in the future.

Updated (18:50, Jul 22): Today (Tuesday), the President of CAEAL, Seng Ioi Man, denied that the agency or any other public institutions had ever approached the disqualified candidate.