Macau authorities are considering criminalizing the publication of election polls to prevent any potential influence on voting intention.
The proposed revision of the electoral law, currently open for public consultation, aims to address concerns about the impact of poll results on elections.
During a public consultation session, the Director of the Department of Justice Affairs (DSAJ), Leong Weng In, highlighted the potential influence of poll results on voting intention.
The existing election law already prohibits the release of public opinion poll results on candidates and deputies from the start of the campaign until the day after the vote.
The proposed revision intends to extend the prohibition to individuals and organizations that disseminate or promote the dissemination of public opinion poll results, including through the internet.
The Secretary for Administration and Justice, André Cheong Weng Chon, emphasized that while polls are allowed, the law restricts disseminating the results.
Participants in the consultation expressed overall agreement with the revision and emphasized the need for stricter penalties.
Some deemed the current maximum fine of 100,000 patacas (11,400 euros) insufficient as a deterrent.
It is worth noting that in the past, certain pro-democracy associations in Macau organized public opinion surveys that were considered illegal by the authorities.
However, the proposed revision seeks to address poll results dissemination broadly.
The consultation process aims to gather public feedback on the proposed changes before finalizing the revision of the electoral law in Macau.