CAEAL designates 37 voting stations for upcoming legislative elections

The Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election (CAEAL) announced yesterday that the upcoming election on Sept. 14 will feature 43 voting stations – 38 for direct elections and five for indirect elections – reflecting an increase of one station compared to the previous election, to better accommodate the more than 333,000 eligible voters in Macau as of Dec. 31 last year.

According to CAEAL, the Mong Ha Sports Center has been chosen as a backup polling place “in case of any emergencies.” On election day, all polling stations, including the backup location, will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., giving voters a total of 12 hours to cast their ballots – the same as in past elections.

“The CAEAL has carefully evaluated various factors – such as where voters are located, how convenient polling places are, and their accessibility – to decide on specific polling locations. The main aim is to ensure that most voters can easily reach these stations,” said Seng Ioi Man, president of CAEAL.

“Most polling stations for direct elections will remain unchanged from the previous election, with only a few relocated to better-suited sites within the same district. Additionally, a polling station will again be established at Coloane Prison to allow inmates to vote, just as in previous elections.”

As of Dec. 31, 2024, Macau had about 333,000 eligible voters, a 2.5% increase from the last election. For the upcoming direct elections, there will be 770 polling booths, an increase of about 80 compared to the previous election.

The CAEAL reminded voters that notification letters will soon be sent by post. By early August, several support services will be available, including a polling station lookup system and self-service machines to help voters find their correct station.

“We are committed to ensuring that all eligible voters can cast their votes conveniently and smoothly,” Seng said while introducing polling station operations. He emphasized that each polling station will have a backup power system, and technical staff will be on duty 24/7 to maintain computer systems, network connections, and power supply.

At yesterday’s press conference, Seng also provided an update on the candidate verification process, stating that CAEAL has found no issues and sees no need to alter the list. “The verification is progressing smoothly, and CAEAL will assess whether candidates adhere to the Basic Law and demonstrate loyalty to Macau and China, based on input from the National Security Committee. The final list will be confirmed by July 15 and announced at that time,” he said.

Since June 27, the CAEAL has received 13 reports of illegal publicity and alleged defamation related to the election. Seng confirmed that law enforcement agencies have referred several cases to the commission since the election publicity ban began. He stressed that CAEAL is taking these cases seriously and will work closely with enforcement bodies to address any misconduct.

The CAEAL also released campaign guidelines for the official promotion period, which runs from Aug. 30 to Sept. 12. Seng said that during this time, election groups can distribute campaign materials but must report what was distributed – including the types of items, quantities, and costs – whether given to the public, handed out at rallies, or used by campaign staff.

“The focus should be on items meant for the campaign, not personal gifts – such as brochures, flags, fans, tissues, and pens,” Seng said. He added that while distributing such items, groups should aim for effective promotion and avoid giving them out as gift packs.