Gaming concessionaires and VIP gaming promoters were urged by Macau authorities to maintain their neutrality in the upcoming SAR Legislative Assembly election.
The Macau Electoral Affairs Commission and the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) convened a meeting on Wednesday with representatives from gaming concessionaires and local gaming promoter associations, in which they stressed the legal requirement for neutrality in the elections scheduled for September 14th of this year.
According to a dispatch, the Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, Seng Ioi Man, outlined the provisions of the Legislative Assembly Election Law, emphasizing that concessionaires and their employees must remain impartial during the electoral process.
According to Article 72 of the law, these entities and their managing bodies are prohibited from participating in election campaigns or taking actions that could benefit or harm specific candidate lists.
Seng reminded attendees that employees must uphold neutrality while performing their duties, which includes avoiding any displays of campaign-related materials in the workplace. This directive extends to staff canteens and rest areas, as well as during breaks and meal times.
The Commission stressed the importance of communicating these obligations to all employees and urged companies to report any violations promptly. If employees breach the neutrality rules, it is considered a personal act, and companies are responsible for notifying the Commission or the Bureau of any infractions.
Representatives from the DICJ, meanwhile, expressed their commitment to supporting the Electoral Affairs Commission, pledging to report any suspected violations by concessionaires or employees.
They also encouraged companies to seek clarification on neutrality obligations through official channels.
Meeting participants affirmed their commitment to comply with the Commission’s guidelines and to enhance oversight of employee conduct regarding election-related activities.
Additionally, the Commission reminded concessionaire representatives of their responsibility to facilitate employees’ right to vote on election day, noting that providing transportation for voting is permissible, provided it does not involve campaign propaganda.
However, any attempt to influence voting through instructions or campaign materials during transit would constitute a violation of the Election Law, according to Seng.
The MSAR Legislative Assembly election, which is held every four years, encompasses direct and indirect elections.
The current legislature has 33 members, comprising 14 legislators directly elected by universal suffrage, 12 legislators indirectly elected by registered association representatives and seven legislators appointed by the Chief Executive.
It is common for some Macau members of the Legislative Assembly to have links to gaming operators or gaming companies in the city.
The co-chairman and largest individual shareholder of SJM Holdings, Angela Leong On Kei, for example, is currently a legislator elected by Macau’s culture and sports sector.
