The appeal, submitted by the list president Alberto Wong on behalf of fellow disqualified candidates Leong Sio Iok, Che Meng Lam, Chow Chi Fai, Ngai Ka Fong e Fong Kai Hou, contests the Commission’s decision revealed yesterday, which was based on an opinion from the Committee for Safeguarding National Security. The group argues that there is no factual basis to question their loyalty to the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) or their support for the Basic Law.
“We have always firmly upheld the Basic Law… and faithfully fulfilled our obligation of loyalty to the Macau SAR,” the candidates wrote in their letter. “There is no circumstance where we ‘do not uphold’ or ‘are not loyal to’ the aforesaid.”
While acknowledging that decisions based on the Committee’s opinion are legally binding and not subject to judicial appeal, the group is calling on the Commission to uphold the principle of procedural transparency.
“We earnestly request the Commission to assist in conveying our request for the Committee… to clearly explain the specific factual basis and legal application logic for determining that we ‘do not uphold’ or ‘are not loyal,’” the letter states. The candidates argue that such an explanation is essential not only for transparency but also for “better understanding the alignment between our actions and legal requirements.”
In support of their case, the group submitted a range of materials, including participation records in community service, national security exhibitions, and public statements affirming their commitment to national sovereignty.
Wong cited as an example efforts in promoting cross-border exchanges between China, Macau, and Myanmar, assisting migrant workers, and organizing aid campaigns during emergencies, saying his contributions were acknowledged by the Myanmar Consulate General in Hong Kong, which praised his “patriotism for the country, love for Macau, and love for his hometown.”
The candidates also highlighted their clean legal records and background checks, noting the absence of any links to anti-China forces or acts that could undermine national interests. “We have always abided by laws and regulations in Macau and maintained social order and stability through practical actions,” they wrote.
Alongside their appeal against the disqualification, the group is requesting the return of their election deposit, arguing that their exclusion from the race does not meet the legal threshold for forfeiture. Under Article 52 of the Electoral Law, forfeiture applies in cases of “intentional” violations that disrupt electoral order.
Our disqualification is not due to such intentional illegal acts but rather differences in subjective and objective judgments on eligibility,” the letter argues. “There is no evidence proving that we have such circumstances.”
The candidates concluded by reaffirming their respect for Macau’s legal system and their intention to engage with the process lawfully. They urged the Commission to “conduct a prudent study on our application and the submitted evidence,” and to respond in writing within a reasonable time frame.
Despite having no legal channel for appeal, the disqualified candidates from the “Macao Creating Livelihood Forces” list insist on their right to respond. “Even if the Committee’s opinion is binding,” their letter argues, “it should not deprive us of the right to state facts and express our stance.”
The appeal comes amid heightened scrutiny over electoral participation in Macau, where loyalty to the SAR and national security considerations have taken centre stage in candidate vetting procedures.
The disqualification of the “Macao Creating Livelihood Forces” comes amid broader scrutiny of candidates for the Legislative Assembly election, scheduled for mid-September.
On Tuesday, the Electoral Affairs Commission announced that two candidate lists—comprising 12 individuals in total—had been barred from running, citing an opinion from the Committee for Safeguarding National Security.
Among those disqualified is incumbent lawmaker Ron Lam U Tou, a centrist voice known for his involvement with the Synergy of Macau association. Like Wong, Lam said he learned of his disqualification from news reports, described the move as “a surprise” but insisted that his “original intention for Macau will not waver.”
Joining Lam on the disqualified list were Synergy leaders Johnson Ian and Che I Kei, as well as environmental advocate Joe Chan, head of the Macau Green Student Union.
Electoral Affairs Commission chair Seng Ioi Man said the decision was based on “clear and sufficient legal grounds” provided by the national security committee, adding that “some candidates were ‘not supportive’ and ‘not allegiant’” to the Basic Law and not swearing loyalty to the Macau SAR of the People’s Republic of China.
Beijing’s liaison office in Macau issued a public statement backing the move, praising it as “law-based” and in line with the principle of “love the country and Macau.”
