“After careful consideration, I hereby inform you of my decision not to run for election in the upcoming legislative elections of the Macau SAR. This decision is based on my desire to prioritize family life, especially with regard to watching my grandson grow up and participating in a variety of activities”, Santos says in the video.
“I understand that exercising political participation should be guided by a deep sense of responsibility and the ability to make a significant and appropriate contribution. Nevertheless, at this stage of my life, I consider it imperative to dedicate my time and attention to those closest to me, as this is a fundamental need for my personal well-being and for strengthening ties with others.”
The party delivered its official election bid at the Public Administration building in Rua do Campo at 3:00pm today, with Santos publishing her video about half an hour before the press conference scheduled.
In August of last year, the ATFPM had announced that Rita Santos – Board President of the association – would be part of the list, without indicating in which position. Two months later, Santos suspended her mandate as advisor to the Regional Council of the Portuguese Communities for Asia and Oceania, stating it was preparing for this year’s legislative elections.
The suspension announcement comes few days after the Public Prosecution Office of Macau issued a statement stating to have received a request for judicial cooperation from the judicial body of the Portuguese Republic, “regarding a criminal case related to the elections for the Assembly of the Republic in Portugal, which involves an individual who allegedly committed a crime against the Electoral Law of Portugal in Macau”.
The statement was issued after local media asked the Public Prosecution Office whether Rita Santos had been questioned at the request of the Portuguese counterpart.
