Edmund Ho Hau Wah thanks Macao people for support

Incumbent Chief Executive of China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), Edmund Ho Hau Wah, at a press conference Sunday, thanked the Election Committee members for backing him for a second term.

"I am more than glad to win 296 ballots from the 299 members of the Election Committee. I fully respect any result of an open and fair election," said Ho at a press conference held shortly after his victory in the election Sunday.

Ho won the election with 296 votes in favor and three abstentions from a total of 299 members with the 300 Election Committee, who registered to cast in an anonymous ballot Sunday morning.

Ho said he believed that through the ballot, Macao people have expressed a strong acknowledgment in the policy orientation proclaimed in his election platform for the development of the SAR in the next five years.

During the past five years, the administration has made its due achievement by working in cohesion and with understanding of Macao people, said Ho.

"Through experiences in these years, it is fully convincing that the orientation of the economy is correct. I believe that we can make adjustment for further development, from which the majority of the society will benefit," said Ho.

He said that economic development and social stability will continue to be two priorities of the government's work.

He emphasized that Macao should always keep abreast of the regional and global development trends, and stay in vigilance to safeguard its economy against a high risk from its heavy dependence on the gaming and tourist industry.

Source: Xinhua