The Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Government expresses strong opposition and grave dismay regarding references to Macao in a text titled “A new EU-China strategy” adopted on Thursday (September 16) by the European Parliament of the European Union (EU).
Since its establishment in 1999, the MSAR has been resolutely ensuring the successful implementation of the “One county, two systems” principle; “Macao people governing Macao”; and the enjoyment of a high degree of autonomy. Rights enjoyed by Macao residents, including the right to vote, have been protected fully under the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the MSAR Basic Law.
The 2021 Legislative Assembly Election was held in strict accordance with the MSAR Basic Law and the Legislative Assembly Election Law. The Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election undertook its duties in a lawful manner. Candidate teams taking part in the election conducted their campaigning activities in line with the law, and registered voters actively responded to the election in order to exercise their civic duty. All these things ensured the election was held successfully, and in a fair, impartial and clean way.
Legislative Assembly elections are entirely an internal affair of the MSAR. No foreign body, including the European Parliament, has the right to intervene in it. The MSAR Government will, as always, protect the freedom of the press and the fundamental rights of Macao residents as enshrined under the law, ensuring the steady progress of the “One country, two systems” principle with Macao characteristics.