The election of Macao's next chief executive has been set for August 29.

Under Macao's Chief Executive Election Law, which was passed by the Macao Legislative Council in April, the election must be held at least 60 days before the incumbent's term expires. Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hau Wah's current five-year term expires on December 19 this year.

Would-be candidates must be nominated by at least 50 of the 300-member Chief Executive Election Committee. Each committee member only has one vote for the nomination.

Campaigns for the nomination will end on July 29. The election campaign is set for August 14 to 27.

Macao's incumbent chief executive Edmund Ho Hau Wah announced his decision to run for a second term on Tuesday. He said the decision was made after prudent consideration, "Regardless of personal gain or loss."

Ho pledged to sustain the achievements made by his administration in serving more than 400,000 Macao residents, implementing the central government's principle of "one country, two systems" and practicing "Macao people governing Macao."

Ho's election office said that he will go to the Election Coordination Center in person on Thursday to pick up a candidate nomination form.

The local media reported that Edmund Ho Hau Wah enjoys popular support for reelection. In his five-year administration as the first chief executive, Macao witnessed a smooth political transition and a decided economic recovery. The economy has grown for four consecutive years, achieving a record rise of 15.6 percent last year.

(Xinhua News Agency July 14, 2004)