Sam Hou-fai becomes sole candidate for Macau’s top job after securing 383 nominations

Former top Macau judge Sam Hou-fai has become the city’s sole chief executive candidate after securing 96 per cent of nominations from an election committee.

Sam, former head of Macau’s Court of Final Appeal, officially submitted his bid to run in the October 13 leadership election with 383 nominations from the 400-strong Chief Executive Election Committee. Candidates must garner at least 66 committee nominations.

Sam’s number of nominations exceeded those of Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat-shing, who received 379 votes, or 92 per cent.

The nomination period for the city’s leadership election ended last Thursday.