The Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Government respects and supports a decision made today by the Court of Final Appeal to dismiss appeals filed by three candidate teams that were excluded from the upcoming Legislative Assembly Election.

The three concerned candidate teams are “Associação do Novo Progresso de Macau”, “Associação do Progresso de Novo Macau”, and “Associação de Próspero Macau Democrático”. The Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election have previously decided to exclude from the upcoming election each of these candidate teams.

The court ruling confirms the Electoral Affairs Commission’s decision. The latter decision has been made according to the power – vested by the Legislative Assembly Election Law – with the Commission, to review candidate lists regarding each team intending to take part in the Legislative Assembly Election, excluding teams that do not qualify to stand for election. Such duty seeks to ensure the constitutional order enshrined in the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Basic Law of Macao.

The MSAR Government will continue to implement the “One country, two systems” principle in a precise manner, while guaranteeing the enjoyment by Macao residents of freedom of speech, the right to information, and the right to supervise the Government, as stipulated by law. The MSAR Government will support the Electoral Affairs Commission in exercising its duties in line with the law, to ensure a smooth process for the upcoming Legislative Assembly Election. These efforts will together advance the successful implementation of the “One country, two systems” principle with Macao characteristics.