Chinese authorities have ramped up dismantling any remaining vestiges of democracy in China. The media has focused on what China is doing in this regard in Hong Kong, often ignoring Macau. The latest development is that china has banned pro-democracy candidates in Macau elections. This article published by The Guardian is written by Helen Davidson. Here is an excerpt:

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.

Most of those disqualified have vowed to challenge the ruling by the territory’s electoral commission, warning that Beijing and pro-Beijing authorities are “changing the deal” they have with Macau, despite its “stability”.

On Friday the head of the electoral commission, Tong Hio Fong, announced that 21 candidates – including all 15 listed under the banners of three pro-democracy groups – had been disqualified from running in Macau’s 12 September elections. Some of those banned are sitting legislators who have served for decades.

Read the full article here.