Campaigning ends at midnight as cooling-off period begins

The campaign period for the eighth Legislative Assembly Election ends at midnight tonight, marking the start of the cooling-off period.

The Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election (CAEAL) has issued guidelines reminding candidates, their trustees, and those involved in campaigning to remove any materials that might influence voters, including online content.

However, one sign or banner may remain at each election headquarters or designated location.

During the cooling-off period tomorrow and on Election Day, Sunday, no one – whether trustees, candidates, or members of the public – may wear or display items featuring a candidate’s name, number, or emblem in public to prevent unlawful campaigning.

Meanwhile, according to authorities, over 1,400 election officials have completed training for polling stations across nearly 60 public sectors.

The trained personnel include members of polling station executive committees, ballot checkers, and staff at polling station support centers.

According to Macao Daily News, Pun Keng Sang, chairman of a polling station’s executive committee, noted that CAEAL consistently provided thorough training for its staff.

Election officials received on-the-job training, which included a detailed understanding of their duties and work guidelines.

Staff at each polling station participated in run-through sessions to simulate actual election day operations.

This year’s election features an increase in polling stations, leading to a greater number of election staff compared to previous years.

CAEAL said it has also optimized electoral operations through electronic processes, improving ballot accuracy and voter efficiency while shortening work hours. Special contingency plans have also been developed for inclement weather.

Concerns arose regarding past incidents of voters illegally using phones to take photos in polling stations.

Pun clarified that training emphasizes the responsibility of election officials to monitor and address illegal behavior, with serious cases reported to CAEAL for follow-up.

Times Reporter