China’s top legislative body accepts resignation of Macau deputy Ho Iat-seng, paving way for him to become casino hub’s next leader

NPC Standing Committee member is expected to be the sole candidate in Macau’s chief executive election in August

If elected, he will succeed Fernando Chui, whose tenure ends on December 19 after 10 years in the post

Reading Time:3 minutes

Ho Iat-seng is also president of Macau’s Legislative Assembly. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 8:12pm, 23 Apr 2019Updated: 10:12pm, 23 Apr 2019

China’s top legislative body unanimously approved the resignation of Macau deputy Ho Iat-seng on Tuesday, in a move commentators said indicated Beijing’s blessing for him to succeed as the casino hub’s next leader.

Ho, 61, who is also president of Macau’s Legislative Assembly, is expected to be the sole candidate in the chief executive election in August. If elected, he will succeed Fernando Chui Sai-on, whose tenure ends on December 19 after 10 years in the post.

Politicians in the city hope Ho will be able to solve Macau’s housing shortage and improve governance after he is elected leader.

Ho announced his intention last week to run for election, and that he had tendered his resignation to China’s two top legislative bodies, the National People’s Congress (NPC) and its Standing Committee (NPCSC).

Macau’s chief executive is elected by a 400-member Election Committee which includes the city’s 12 NPC deputies. Photo: Dickson Lee

Under Macau’s electoral law, the chief executive is elected by a 400-member Election Committee. But the city’s 12 NPC deputies are ex officio members of the committee, and must resign to run for the city’s top job.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x