Commission records 36 election complaints

The Electoral Affairs Commission (CAEAL) has reported it received a total of 36 complaints concerning unfair election activities during the pre-campaign blackout period, which began on August 3.

Last week, some candidates in the upcoming election reported that the new CAEAL guidelines have resulted in confusion and called for clearer rules.

Now, less than two weeks into the blackout period – when candidates are required not to campaign through social media, telephone or at events – some 36 complaints of election propaganda have been referred to the CAEAL.

According to public broadcaster TDM, president of the CAEAL Tong Hio Fong has said that a “handful” of these cases could constitute illegal campaigning and will be now handed to police authorities for investigation.

“In regards to the complaints, we will make an evaluation and if we think it’s an irregularity, we will redirect it to the police for an investigation,” said Tong as cited by TDM. “If it is indeed an irregularity, they [police authorities] will enforce a punishment.”

Violating the rules of the pre-campaign period can result in a fine of between MOP2,000 and MOP10,000.

Previously, New Macau Association vice-president and lawmaker candidate Sulu Sou was notified by the CAEAL that information regarding his candidacy could be accessed on his social media account. The candidate, who has been tipped as a possible future leader for the local association, later opted to hide his social media page contents entirely.

Pre-campaign guidelines also state that promotional messages used during the official two-week campaigning period must be removed or deleted on or before midnight on September 15.

The election will take place on September 17, with a revised total of 191 candidates spread across 25 lists.

Candidates will be able to officially campaign during a two-week window next month.