(Macao – 13 November 2007) The draft bill of the Voter Registration Law is basically complete and drafting of laws regarding the Chief Executive and the Legislative Assembly elections in 2009 is expected to be finished soon, Chief Executive Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah announced today in a press conference after delivering his 2008 Policy Address. Mr Ho underlined that the aim of the three pieces of legislation, which will be tabled at the Legislative Assembly next year, was to safeguard the fairness and openness of the 2009 polls. He also reiterated that conditions were not ripe for universal suffrage in 2009, but gave the assurance that consultations on constitutional reforms would be initiated as soon as possible. According to the Chief Executive, though the Macao Basic Law did not stipulate universal suffrage as the final goal of the territory’s constitutional development, it does not imply that this electoral arrangement is out of the question. Nevertheless he stressed that any changes to the constitutional system should be in line with the Macao Basic Law, and a result of scientific and rational discussions. Mr Ho also told the press conference that legislative work on national security under Article 23 of the Basic Law was in good progress. “Concerning Article 23 of the Basic Law, I believe Macao people generally have a consensus that there is a need for legislating,” he said, adding that the government would try to conclude the work by 2009 and give sufficient time for public consultation on the draft bill. When asked about the ongoing trial of former Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Ao Man Long, Mr Ho pointed out that it would be inappropriate for him or any government official to make comments of any kind, even for the purpose of averting speculations and misunderstandings. To do so could compromise a fair trial for the accused and the independence of the justice system and the Chief Executive said he would never allow this to happen.
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