Macau's chief executive election reflects the special administrative region's political culture and the stagnated development of its civil society. There is only one candidate, Fernando Chui Sai-on; so, there will be no competition and no public debate. Once Beijing indicates that it has a preferred candidate, the issue is settled.
Much more shocking was the earlier 'election' of the Election Committee - there were only 300 candidates to fill 300 seats. Hence, there was no competition, no campaigning and no formal election.
So completely has the Macau establishment sewn up this game that even elections on the mainland appear disorganised in comparison. The only indication a sole candidate has about his true popularity is the number of abstaining votes.
The so-called 'Macau Street' political culture is often described as follows: Macau is a small place, and nearly all community leaders of any standing are related to one another in some way.
Electoral competition and controversy is to be avoided, for the sake of future co-operation and maintaining harmony within the community.
Organisations outside the establishment have secured three seats in the legislature; but there is a limit to their political participation and mobilisation.
The domination of the establishment and the lack of a developed civil society can be attributed to two factors.