China’s crackdown on pro-democracy politicians in Hong Kong appears to have spread to Macau, where 21 candidates, including veteran legislators, have been disqualified from forthcoming elections. Politically, it has not shown the same level of activism as Hong Kong, but as Beijing tightens control over its territories, Macau’s elections appear to be in its sights. Under its national security law, in place since 2009, Macau requires popular election candidates to formally declare support for the Macau Basic Law and their loyalty to the jurisdiction. At least 15 of those disqualified – all candidates from the three pan-democrat lists – have vowed to appeal. A deadline to replace those expelled with replacement candidates passed on Sunday, but Chiang said they expected any new candidates would also be disqualified.

Source: The Guardian July 13, 2021 10:04 UTC