Voter turnout in AL election surpasses 2021 record

Sunday, September 14, 2025

Voter turnout in the ongoing eighth Legislative Assembly election reached 46.41% by 6 p.m., exceeding the total participation of the previous election.

According to official figures from the Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election (CAEAL), 152,458 of the 328,506 registered voters had cast their ballots by that time, with turnout already surpassing the 2021 election’s level by 5 p.m.

For the indirect suffrage, 7,541 voters were registered, of whom 6,344 cast their ballots, marking a turnout of 84.13% as of the same time.

The last Legislative Assembly election recorded a total turnout of 42.38%, with 137,281 voters participating on September 12, 2021 — the lowest turnout since the Macau Special Administrative Region was established in 1999.

At 2:30 p.m., Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak visited the polling station at the Olympic Sports Center Sports Pavilion (Zone A) to cast his vote. After voting, Wong informed local media that the police had received only one report of electoral irregularities, which would be referred to the Electoral Affairs Commission.

The Secretary for Security also noted that street traffic and circulation were generally smooth and orderly, despite the busy voting day.

Meanwhile, anti-corruption commissioner Ao Ieong Seong said authorities recorded 10 cases of illegal campaign activity today.

Speaking to the media after voting at the Olympic Sports Center, Ao said the incidents involved individuals displaying campaign numbers or party names on clothing and other items. All those involved were reportedly given verbal warnings.

According to a statement from the Government Information Bureau, Ao also noted that since the start of the election period, 138 complaints and reports had been received, with 26 deemed actionable for follow-up.

During the campaign period, additional violations were recorded, including the posting of campaign materials in unauthorized locations. Ao added that during the reflection period, some instances involved materials that had not been removed. All such cases have been referred to the police for further investigation.

This year’s election includes direct voting for legislators, complemented by 12 members chosen by representatives of various sectors such as business, labor, education, and sports, while seven additional legislators will be appointed by the Chief Executive after the election.

Around 328,000 residents are registered as eligible voters.

Polling takes place at 38 direct and five indirect stations across the city, with voting closing at 9 p.m. To encourage voter participation, public bus and light rail rides remain free of charge throughout the day.