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Macau activists plan referendum on democracy Macau activists plan referendum on democracy
(35 minutes later)
Three activist groups in Chinese-ruled Macau, the world's biggest gambling hub, are planning an informal referendum on democracy, an organiser said on Tuesday, following in the footsteps of neighbouring Hong Kong whose ballot was branded by China as illegal. Three activist groups in Chinese-ruled Macau, the world's biggest gambling hub, are planning an informal referendum on democracy, following in the footsteps of neighbouring Hong Kong whose ballot was branded by China as illegal.
Macau, a special administrative region of China like Hong Kong, is widely expected to re-elect its current leader, Fernando Chui, in a vote on 31 August. But it is an official body of 400 that elects the leader, similar to Hong Kong where a small committee of largely pro-Beijing loyalists chooses who gets on the ballot, effectively rendering the ability to vote meaningless.Macau, a special administrative region of China like Hong Kong, is widely expected to re-elect its current leader, Fernando Chui, in a vote on 31 August. But it is an official body of 400 that elects the leader, similar to Hong Kong where a small committee of largely pro-Beijing loyalists chooses who gets on the ballot, effectively rendering the ability to vote meaningless.
"By taking part in a simulated referendum it may stimulate citizens' interest in fighting for a genuine democratic election," said Jason Chao, one of the organisers of the poll."By taking part in a simulated referendum it may stimulate citizens' interest in fighting for a genuine democratic election," said Jason Chao, one of the organisers of the poll.
The civic movements in Hong Kong and Macau could prove to be the biggest challenge yet to Chinese rule in the two territories. Several current and retired Chinese officials have warned in recent months that Beijing is prepared to unleash the army to handle any riots in Hong Kong.The civic movements in Hong Kong and Macau could prove to be the biggest challenge yet to Chinese rule in the two territories. Several current and retired Chinese officials have warned in recent months that Beijing is prepared to unleash the army to handle any riots in Hong Kong.
The former British colony of Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997, followed two years later by the Portuguese-run enclave of Macau. Unlike Hong Kong, where calls for democracy have grown over the years, Macau had remained largely apolitical. But over the past year, Macau residents have become increasingly vocal over perceived inequalities, with more than 20,000 taking to the streets in a protest in May.The former British colony of Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997, followed two years later by the Portuguese-run enclave of Macau. Unlike Hong Kong, where calls for democracy have grown over the years, Macau had remained largely apolitical. But over the past year, Macau residents have become increasingly vocal over perceived inequalities, with more than 20,000 taking to the streets in a protest in May.
Macau is the only place in China where citizens can legally gamble in casinos. One of the world's fastest-growing economies, Macau is wholly dependent on the gambling industry, with the territory's 35 casinos last year raking in £25bn.Macau is the only place in China where citizens can legally gamble in casinos. One of the world's fastest-growing economies, Macau is wholly dependent on the gambling industry, with the territory's 35 casinos last year raking in £25bn.
Last week in Hong Kong, hundreds of thousands of people marched in a pro-democracy rally, which was followed by a sit-in by mainly student groups. Five organisers have since been charged by police.Last week in Hong Kong, hundreds of thousands of people marched in a pro-democracy rally, which was followed by a sit-in by mainly student groups. Five organisers have since been charged by police.
In an unofficial referendum on democracy, more than 10% of Hong Kong's population voted for the public to be able to nominate candidates for the territory's leader.In an unofficial referendum on democracy, more than 10% of Hong Kong's population voted for the public to be able to nominate candidates for the territory's leader.
The groups organising the Macau poll – Macau Conscience, the Macao Youth Dynamics and the Open Macau Society – are planning to hold it from 24-30 August.The groups organising the Macau poll – Macau Conscience, the Macao Youth Dynamics and the Open Macau Society – are planning to hold it from 24-30 August.