Voters in Macau have returned 26 new lawmakers in an election hailed as a success by the territory’s chief executive, Sam Hou-fai.

Authorities said 175,272 ballots were cast to return 14 directly-elected members of the 8th Legislative Assembly of the Macau SAR, representing a turnout of 53.4 percent.

A further 12 legislators were elected by 6,645 voters in sector-based indirect elections for a turnout of 88.1 percent. The remaining seven members of the 33-seat assembly is to be appointed by the chief executive of the Macau SAR.

In a statement, Sam congratulated the new lawmakers and expressed thanks to all voters who participated in the election.

He also stressed that this year’s election was of “great significance” as this was the first election after electoral rules were amended to update the review process for candidates.

“The election was held in line with the principles of ‘One country, two systems’, ‘Macau people administering Macau’, a high degree of autonomy; strictly adhering to the fundamental principle of “patriots governing Macau”, safeguarding the constitutional order established under the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Macau SAR Basic Law and ensuring the steady progress of the implementation of the “One country, two systems” principle,” the statement said.

Sam also expressed hopes that the new lawmakers will “advocate the spirit of patriotism, proactively participate in politics and repay the support of the voters with practical work.”

The Chairman of Macau’s Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election, Seng Ioi-man, said Sunday’s poll was conducted in an “orderly manner”, with operations at polling stations running smoothly throughout the voting period.

Members of the new legislature will serve a four-year term.