The Association for New Democratic Macao led by Ng Kuok Cheong was striding ahead in the polls in Sunday's Legislative Assembly elections, according to provisional results announced early Monday morning.

The following are the 12 winners of direct elections: Ng Kuok Cheng, Au Kam San, Kwan Tsui Hang, Leong Iok Wa, Chan Meng Kam, Jose Maria Pereira Coutinho, Angela Leong On-kei, Fong Chi Keong, Leong Heng Teng, Ung Choi Kun, Iong Veng Ian, and David Chow Kam Fai.

The 10 winners of indirect elections were: Susana Chou, Ku Hoi In, Chang Chi Keong, Ho Teng Iat, Lau Cheok Va, Lee Chong Cheng, Chui Sai Cheong, Leonel Alberto Alves, Victor Cheung Lup Kwan, and Chan Chak Mo.

The two lists of winners will be sent to the General Election Examination Committee for verification and final approval, which should be given within five days, and the Macao Special Administrative Region Chief Executive has to appoint the remaining seven LA members within the next 15 days.

In line with the Basic Law, the new LA will be composed of 29 members including 12 from direct elections, 10 from indirect elections, which are conducted by community representatives, and seven appointed by the MSAR's chief executive.

A total of 125 candidates contested the direct elections, and 10 the indirect elections.

The number of registered voters reached 220,653, or nearly half of the region's population.

A total of 228 voting booths were set up in the city center, 222 for the direct elections and six for the indirect elections.

(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2005)