The likely choice to become Macau’s next chief executive has formally announced his candidacy.
Making the announcement at a press conference in the city, Macau-born businessman Ho Iat Seng, who heads the territory’s Legislative Assembly, promised “to optimize people’s livelihoods and diversified development,” and said he will be “deeply listening to society”.
One of four potential candidates for chief executive, Ho is Macau’s only member of the National People’s Congress, China’s rubber stamp parliament, and is reported to have Beijing’s endorsement for the post, which makes his election all but assured.
The election, scheduled for August 25, will be decided by a committee of 400 of the city’s commercial and political elites.
It is considered an especially sensitive election, too, given the pending expiration in 2022 of Macau’s six casino concessions and sub-concessions. The chief executive, who is eligible to serve two five-year terms, will play a critical role in the process, as yet undisclosed, of renewing those licenses or awarding new ones.
