Macao chief executive's re-election enjoys popular confidence

Macao's incumbent chief executive Edmund Ho Hau Wah is enjoying a popular confidence for the second term among Macao's society, as Ho just announced running for re-election in August.

Wednesday's Macao Daily carried interviews of a number of elite people with the political and economic circle, who have given their full support to Ho's re-election.

Ma Man Kei, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and a renowned businessman in Macao, said that he was glad to hear Ho's decision on a re-election.

"Over Ho's five-year administration, he has strictly adhered to the Macao Basic Law in the implementation of China's `one country, two systems' principle. Macao's economy has not only reversed a consecutive negative growth, but also jumped on a fast growth track," said Ma.

The veteran politician believed that Ho will obtain a majority nomination by the 300-member Chief Executive Election Committee.

"Should be elected for another term, I expect Ho would have time to optimize his administration strategy, which has proved to bring Macao's economy into a new round of prosperity," said Legislator Tong Chi Kin.

His opinion was echoed by Legislator Leong Iok Wa. She said Ho's administration has laid out a sound foundation for Macao's development. In the next five years, Macao needs to consolidate the implementation of the policies that have been drawn out. Ho's leadership would certainly make for the endeavor.

The Election of Macao's next chief executive has been designated for Aug. 29. The Election Coordination Center started to hand out candidate nomination forms to applicators running for the post of Macao's next chief executive Tuesday. Chief executive runners must secure nomination by at least 50 members with the 300-member Chief Executive Election Committee to qualify the candidature for the running. Each committee member only has one vote for the nomination.

Source: Xinhua