The Government Secretaries have appealed to voters to exercise their right to vote and fulfil their civic duty by casting a ballot in today’s Legislative Assembly election.

The Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Chan Hoi Fan, noted after casting her vote this morning at the Olympic Sports Centre in Taipa, that the Government would review – following a post-election report to be compiled by the Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election – suggestions and issues raised in connection with this year’s polling.

The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, told reporters at the Olympic Sports Centre polling centre that his personal experience of the voting process was that it was highly efficient and took only a very short time.

Mr Leong said the election was being held in a lawful, fair, open and clean manner. The Secretary said he believed voters would rationally and intelligently fulfil their civic duty, in order to elect members of the Legislative Assembly that voters considered had the capability to supervise, debate and work on legislation presented to the legislature.

Mr Leong added he was looking forward to working with the members of the new Assembly, regarding in particular how to respond most effectively to the public’s desire for economic development and for continuous enhancement of their wellbeing.

The Secretary for Security, Mr Wong Sio Chak, said the police had received 14 reports – as of 4.30pm – concerning allegations that people had used mobile phones or taken photographs inside polling stations, which is forbidden under Macao law.

He disclosed the information after he cast his ballot in the afternoon at the Olympic Sports Centre.

When asked by reporters why certain people had been refused entry to Macao, Mr Wong reiterated that the police were granted powers under the Internal Security Law to take such action. The police had the power and the duty to uphold the law, should intelligence indicate someone might pose a risk to the city’s security.

Jurisdictions around the world shared a similar approach to boundary control, added Mr Wong.

The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Tam Chon Weng, said he hoped voters would elect to the Legislative Assembly candidates that they considered spoke for the public and would work for Macao’s interests.

Speaking in the vicinity of the polling centre at the Olympic Sports Centre this morning, Mr Tam said the Government was committed to promoting a fair, just and clean election. He said it was likely that a greater number of young people and a greater portion of first-time voters would come out and cast their respective ballot than had happened in previous elections. This was important in order to ensure Macao became an even better home for all.

The Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Raimundo Arrais do Rosario, speaking to reporters after casting his vote at 9am at the Olympic Sports Centre, said the voting procedures had been smooth and orderly. He urged registered voters to come out to vote, as it was a simple but effective way to exercise civic duty.