Macau authorities remind gaming operators of election neutrality
The Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election and the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau held a meeting with representatives of Macau’s gaming concessionaires and local gaming promoter associations to reinforce the obligation of neutrality and impartiality during the election period. The eighth Legislative Assembly Election of Macau has been set for 14 September.
During the meeting, the Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, Seng Ioi Man, reminded attendees of their legal responsibilities under the Legislative Assembly Election Law. According to Macau’s Legislative Assembly Election Law, the managing bodies of concessionaires for the operation of casino games of chance and managing bodies of enterprises, as well as sole traders, associated by contract with commercial operations of games of chance by such a concessionaire, must not directly or indirectly participate in election campaigns.
Employees must maintain workplace neutrality
The Commission also emphasised that employees of gaming companies must remain neutral while executing their work duties. “Employees of the relevant companies must strictly maintain neutrality during the execution of their duties and are prohibited from posting or displaying any election campaign-related signs, stickers, or other items at the workplace, and from using working hours and workplace space to engage in propaganda or canvassing during the execution of their duties,” Seng stated.
He further clarified that “the definition of workplace also includes staff canteens and rest areas; employees’ breaks and mealtimes during working hours are also considered as part of the execution of duties.”
Gaming companies must reinforce compliance
The Electoral Affairs Commission called on gaming operators to ensure their employees understand these obligations. “Companies operating casino games of chance must do the necessary work at [the] management level to convey clearly to all employees the explicit message that they must strictly maintain neutrality and impartiality when executing their duties,” Seng said.
The Commission warned that while violations by employees would be considered personal acts, employers are responsible for reporting breaches. “If a company discovers any violation, it should at the earliest opportunity notify either the Electoral Affairs Commission or the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, to enable them promptly to handle the situation,” Seng stated.
Representatives of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau expressed their commitment to supporting the Commission, stating that they “would immediately refer to the Electoral Affairs Commission – once discovered or reported – any suspected violations by gaming concessionaires or employees.” They also encouraged gaming operators to seek clarification on compliance matters through the Bureau.
Ensuring employees can vote without interference
The Commission reminded gaming concessionaires that all employees must be allowed to exercise their right to vote on election day. It clarified that companies may provide transportation to polling stations, provided it does not involve election propaganda.
“If the company gives voting instructions to employees, displays election campaign items, or broadcasts campaign slogans during the ride, it would be in violation of the Legislative Assembly Election Law and that would constitute a crime,” Seng warned.
Industry pledges compliance
Meeting attendees stated that they would “fully comply with the requirements outlined by the Electoral Affairs Commission, remain neutral and impartial with regards to the Legislative Assembly Election, and will continuously remind all employees strictly to abide by the relevant regulations, and will also strengthen supervision in this regard.”
