The Macao Special Administrative Region on Monday elected 12 deputies to the 14th National People's Congress, the nation's top legislature, among 15 qualified candidates.

During the electoral conference's second plenary session, members cast their votes anonymously to elect the new deputies.

Two backup deputies were also named at the conference in the event of any vacancy.

The election result was submitted to the NPC Standing Committee for final verification. Upon its approval, each deputy will serve a five-year term in the country's top legislature starting in 2023.

Yang Zhenwu, secretary-general of the NPC Standing Committee who came to Macao to preside over the election, said the electoral process was open and fair. The election conference members acted strictly in accordance with the laws and fully respected their rights to participate in national affairs, he said.

He believes that the new NPC deputies of Macao will carry on the tradition of loving the country and the city, observing the Constitution and the Basic Law, and fully and accurately implementing the principle of "one country, two systems".

Yang also hoped they bear allegiance to the country and the SAR, firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and make greater contributions to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and Macao's long-term prosperity and stability.

Among the 12 new Macao SAR deputies, nine are current Macao NPC deputies, including Kou Hoi-in, president of Macao's Legislative Assembly, political and business leader Lao Ngai-leong, and Ng Siulai, president of the General Union of Macao Residents Associations.

The newly elected deputies are Wan Nang-hon, deputy director and general manager of Macao Daily News, Macao lawmaker Vong Hinfai and former Macao lawmaker Chan Hong.

On Thursday, Hong Kong's election conference will cast ballots to elect 36 Hong Kong deputies to the 14th National People's Congress among 42 candidates.

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