The principle of "Macao people governing Macao" went further on the right track, with tens of thousands of local residents joining in the Sunday poll to elect the 2nd Legislative Assembly (LA) of the special administrative region (SAR).
The number of LA members that generate from direct election increases, from eight in the 1st Legislative Assembly to ten in the 2nd and 12 in the 3rd, which indicates that Macao people can select more LA members according to their own wishes.
With a four-year term of office, the LA boasts the right on legislation and supervision over government work in line with the Basic Law.
Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hau Wah of the Macao SAR, who cast his vote Sunday morning, noted that the voting on the new LA is of great significance as the first political election since Macao returned to the motherland at the end of 1999.
He urged all the voters to perform their sacred duties actively.
The voting of Macao residents will decide on the structure of the 2nd LA and to some extent, the SAR's political situation, said Sunday's Jornal "Va Kio", a leading local newspaper.
The aggregate number of registered voters reached nearly 160, 000, hitting a record in the history.
From around 8:00 a.m. on, voters joined the queue at more than 160 special booths, including one at the Macao prison. Young volunteers were there ready to provide all kinds of assistance.
"I got up early this morning so as to avoid possible long queue, " a Mr. Lam from Hou Kong Middle School said.
"I think many of the candidates will do a good job, but I have to choose just one group," said Lei Po from the Lisboa Hotel.
A middle-aged doctor from Sao Januario Hospital said that she would vote for a social group that takes best care of the disadvantaged people.
A total of 96 candidates from 15 social groups started publicity campaigns to compete for ten LA seats from direction election on September 8. The 2nd LA shall also be composed of ten members from indirect election and seven appointed by the SAR's chief executive.
The candidates have been introducing themselves on local TV, newspapers and street boards, but none of them assaulted their rivals in words or action. The Commission Against Corruption has been exerting efforts to prevent the candidates from offering any bribes to the voters.
Susana Chou, president of the Legislative Assembly, noted that the LA members have a common wish, which is to make Macao more prosperous under "one country, two systems".
(People's Daily 09/24/2001)
