CE election: Chui Sai On running uncontested

The Electoral Affairs Commission for the Chief Executive (CAECE) has confirmed that current Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On is running for the upcoming election without any opponents.
According to a Radio Macau report, members of the CAECE have completed their assessment of nomination forms submitted by Chui Sai On’s team and by a resident called Lei Kuong Un. However, the latter submitted nomination forms that were not signed by members of the Electoral College. Therefore, CAECE did not accept his candidacy.
Chui Sai On’s representative, Mr Vong Hin Fai, presented the nomination forms last Friday. 331 out of 400 members of the Electoral College have supported Chui Sai On’s bid.
On the sidelines of an event held yesterday, Chui Sai On commented on the Court of Final Appeal’s (TUI) decision regarding the unofficial referendum currently being organized by three pro-democratic groups. The Chief Executive said that he respects the court’s decision, but reaffirmed his belief that the civil referendum is illegal.
Judges ruled that TUI has no grounds for making a decision as to whether pro-democratic groups are permitted to organize assemblies promoting the ballot, because these events are not classed as either a protest or a reunion.
The Chief Executive once again stressed his opinion that a civil referendum does not respect the Basic Law.
His campaign representative and lawmaker, Mr Vong Hin Fai, holds a similar stance, saying: “I respect TUI’s ruling, but regarding the civil referendum organized by three groups (…) I believe it is not legal.”