Legislative Assembly of Macau

Legislative Assembly of Macau. It is the organ of legislative power in the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. Established under the provisions of the Basic Law of Macau, the assembly operates as a unicameral legislature following the transfer of sovereignty from Portugal in 1999. Its members enact laws, approve budgets, and debate government policy, functioning within the framework of the "one country, two systems" principle.

History

The origins of the legislature trace back to the Legislative Council of Macau, a consultative body formed during the Portuguese colonial era. The first formal Legislative Assembly was constituted in 1976 following the Portuguese Constitution of 1976 and the Organic Statute of Macau. After the Handover of Macau in 1999, the body was reconstituted under the Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration and the newly enacted Basic Law of Macau. Key historical sessions have addressed major policies such as the gambling industry liberalization in 2002 and various responses to events like the COVID-19 pandemic in Macau.

Composition and election

The assembly comprises thirty-three members serving four-year terms. The electoral system is a mixed model: fourteen members are chosen by universal suffrage from geographical constituencies, twelve are selected through functional constituencies representing specific economic and social sectors, and seven are appointed by the Chief Executive of Macau. This system is designed to balance representation, with functional constituencies covering sectors like the Macau Federation of Trade Unions, cultural sector, and employer associations. Major participating groups include the Macau-Guangdong Union and the New Macau Association.

Powers and functions

Its constitutional powers are derived from Chapter IV of the Basic Law of Macau. Primary functions include the enactment, amendment, and repeal of laws; the examination and approval of the government budget introduced by the Secretariat for Economy and Finance; and the ratification of motions introduced by members. The assembly also has the power to receive and debate the Policy Address of the Chief Executive of Macau and to summon senior officials for questioning. It cannot, however, initiate laws concerning public expenditure or political structure.

Structure and organization

The assembly is presided over by a President and two Vice-Presidents, elected from among its members. The current President is Kou Hoi In. Work is organized through a system of standing committees, including the Committee on House Rules, the Committee on Public Administration Affairs, and the Committee on Economy, Finance and Administration. These committees review bills and conduct investigations. The permanent administrative body is the General Secretariat of the Legislative Assembly, headed by a Secretary-General, which provides technical and operational support.

Current membership

The 7th Legislative Assembly of Macau, elected in the 2021 Macanese legislative election, is dominated by pro-establishment groups. The largest blocs are the Macau-Guangdong Union, the Union for Development, and the Union for Promoting Progress. A small number of members, such as those from the New Macau Association and Alliance for Change, are considered non-aligned. Notable members include President Kou Hoi In, Vice-President Chui Sai Cheong, and indirectly elected representatives like Chan Hong from the Macau Federation of Trade Unions. The next election is scheduled for 2025.

Category:National legislatures Category:Macau