By The Guardian and published in the ICNC Newsletter, July 8, 2014

Three activist groups in Chinese-ruled Macau, the world’s biggest gambling hub, are planning an informal referendum on democracy, following in the footsteps of neighboring Hong Kong. “By taking part in a simulated referendum it may stimulate citizens’ interest in fighting for a genuine democratic election,” said Jason Chao, one of the organizers of the poll. Unlike Hong Kong, where calls for democracy have grown over the years, Macau had remained largely apolitical. But over the past year, Macau residents have become increasingly vocal over perceived inequalities, with more than 20,000 taking to the streets in a protest in May. The groups organizing the Macau poll – Macau Conscience, the Macao Youth Dynamics and the Open Macau Society – are planning to hold it from 24-30 August.

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