MACAO -- Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai on Monday extended congratulations to the 14 directly elected and 12 indirectly elected members preliminarily elected for the eighth Legislative Assembly on behalf of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government, and expressed thanks to all voters who participated in the election.

The election for the eighth Legislative Assembly of the Macao SAR was held on Sunday, and the initial counting of the votes was completed early Monday morning.

Sam noted in a statement that the dedication of the electoral affairs commission, public departments, and civil servants had been an indispensable element in guaranteeing the success of the election. With concerted efforts from various sectors, a lawful, fair, impartial, and clean environment had been maintained for the election, he said.

The chief executive emphasized that this year's Legislative Assembly election is of great significance, as it is the first election following the amendment to the Legislative Assembly Election Law last year.

The election was held in line with "one country, two systems," "Macao people administering Macao," and the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by the Macao SAR, he said, adding that it strictly adhered to the principle of "patriots administering Macao," safeguarded the constitutional order established under China's constitution and the Basic Law of the Macao SAR, and ensured steady progress of the implementation of the "one country, two systems."

The SAR government will, as always, strictly uphold the constitution and the Basic Law, maintaining good communication and cooperation with the Legislative Assembly to serve the Macao community, Sam said.

He underlined that the SAR government is looking forward to working closely with the Legislative Assembly to promote economic development, improve people's well-being, and build a better future for Macao.