On this day, 26 years ago, on May 15, 1999 (April 1, 1999, the lunar calendar), Ho Hau Wah was elected the first Chief Executive of the Macao SAR. On May 15, 1999, the candidate for the first Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China was elected here. Ho Hau Wah became the first candidate for the first Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region elected by the Macao people themselves. The third plenary meeting of the Selection Committee for the First Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region was held at the Macau Tourism Activity Center. 199 members of the Selection Committee for the First Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region made a choice between the two candidates, Edmund Ho and Au Zongjie, and elected the candidate for the first chief executive by secret ballot. Qian Qichen, Vice Premier of the State Council and Chairman of the Preparatory Committee of the Macao SAR, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. Qian Qichen said at the opening ceremony of the meeting that the third plenary meeting of the Selection Committee for the First Government of the Macao SAR will elect the candidate for the first chief executive of the Macao SAR. It has never been before for Macao residents to choose the region's chief executive. At this moment, people of all ethnic groups across the country and overseas descendants of the Yellow Emperor who care about Macao are all looking here with concern. Qian Qichen said that the Selection Committee, which is broadly representative in Macao society, will elect the candidate for the first chief executive of the Special Administrative Region. This is an important step in implementing the principles of "one country, two systems","Macao people governing Macao" and a high degree of autonomy. It is directly related to Macao's long-term stability and development. He said that from the establishment of the Selection Committee to the nomination of candidates for the first Chief Executive by election, and the subsequent question and answer session, we have always strictly followed the Basic Law and relevant decisions of the National People's Congress, adhered to fairness, justice, openness, democracy and integrity. We insist on relying on the support and participation of Macao residents, extensively listen to the opinions of people from all walks of life in Macao, and fully reflect the will of Macao society. The hard work of all members of the Selection Committee has demonstrated a spirit of high responsibility to Macao and the country, and has won widespread praise from all walks of life in Macao. After Chen Ziying, Secretary-General of the Preparatory Committee, explained the election matters, voting began at 10:40 a.m. and ended at 11:05. The chief scrutineer reported that a total of 199 ballots were recovered, which was the same as the number of ballots issued, and the election was valid. Ho Hau Wah received 163 votes, Qu Zongjie received 34 votes, and two abstentions. Amid warm applause, Qian Qichen announced that Ho Hau Wah was elected as the candidate for the first chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region. The Preparatory Committee will report to the Central People's Government for appointment. Qian Qichen said in his closing speech that through the active participation of people from all walks of life in Macao and the serious work of all members of the Selection Committee, the election of the first chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China has been successfully completed. He expressed warm congratulations to Ho Hau Wah. Qian Qichen pointed out that Macau will return to the motherland in more than half a year. This is a major event that attracts the attention of the China people and the world, and it is the beginning of a new era for Macao people. All members shouldered the great trust of Macao residents, participated in the core work of establishing the Special Administrative Region, and abided by their duties in their work, ensuring the smooth completion of the selection of candidates for the Chief Executive. He emphasized that everyone has made an indispensable contribution in the establishment of the Special Administrative Region. Qian Qichen also expressed special gratitude to another candidate, Mr. Au Zongjie, and other candidates. They showed admirable spirit of responsibility at a major turning point in Macau's history. All 199 selection members attended today's meeting. The meeting was presided over by Ma Man-Kei, Vice Chairman of the Macao SAR Preparatory Committee. Also seated on the rostrum were Vice Chairman of the Preparatory Committee Liao Hui, Wang Qiren, Wang Yingfan, Wu Fu, Cao Qizhen and He Hong? and Chen Ziying, Secretary-General of the Preparatory Committee. After the conference, Mr. Ho held a press conference. He first expressed his gratitude to the Selection Committee, all Australian citizens, friends and family members, and paid tribute to Mr. Au Zongjie. He promised to resolutely implement "one country, two systems", strictly implement the Basic Law, and do his best to serve Macao citizens so that Macao can transition smoothly and move towards prosperity and progress. He hopes that everyone will work together, unite as one, strive for self-improvement, and jointly build the future. Macau Governor Rochile, who was in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, sent a congratulatory message after learning that Ho Hau Wah was elected. He said that he would provide full cooperation to achieve a smooth transition in Macao. On August 29, 2004, Ho Hau Wah, Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, held a press conference after being elected as the second chief executive candidate. Hu Jintao met with Ho Hau Wah in Zhongnanhai, Beijing on the afternoon of September 21, 2004, and congratulated Ho Hau Wah on his election and appointment as the second chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region.