Mr Ho Iat Seng is Chief Executive-elect of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) following the Fifth Chief Executive Election held today. Mr Ho won the election with 392 votes, representing 98 percent of the total votes available.

Each of the 400 members of the Chief Executive Election Committee cast their respective vote. Of the total ballots cast, 392 were valid, seven were blank and one was ruled to be invalid.

The election was held at the Macao East Asian Games Dome at 10am and was completed in one hour and 15 minutes.

The election result was audited and verified by the General Audit Committee for the Chief Executive Election and formally announced by the President of the Electoral Affairs Commission for the Chief Executive Election, Ms Song Man Lei.

In accordance with the provisions of the Chief Executive Election Law, the election result will be submitted to the Court of Final Appeal for confirmation, and will be published in the Macao SAR Gazette.

Speaking after the election, Chief Executive-elect Mr Ho said he appreciated the suggestions and advice shared by people from all walks of life during the election process. He also thanked reporters for covering his election campaign, additionally thanking his colleagues in his campaign office, and his family.

Mr Ho said he would make every effort to advance the principles of “One country, two systems”; “Macao people governing Macao”; and the city’s enjoyment of a high degree of autonomy.

He would unswervingly carry out his duties and governance functions in strict accordance with the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Basic Law of the Macao SAR; combine his effort with that of people from a variety of social strata and all walks of life; and implement his election declaration and policy platform –as set out in his campaign – in a spirit of reform and innovation, so as to serve the people, Macao, and the country.

The Chief Executive-elect also said he would accelerate work regarding: optimisation of the governance management system; promotion of public governance; advancement of the moderate diversification of Macao’s economy; betterment of people’s well-being in terms of their livelihoods; enhancement of talent training with a focus on youth work; the strengthening of Macao’s role as a base for multicultural communication; and the maintenance of a steady momentum of success and of overall social harmony; all in order to create a new situation regarding Macao’s development.

Mr Ho went on to say that he would remain faithful to – and display integrity in carrying out – his duties as Chief Executive. He would ensure there were even greater efforts and contributions to: the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation; the continued promotion of the cause of “One country, two systems”; and to the long-term prosperity and stability of the Macao SAR, he added.