BEIJING - China's State Council Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office congratulated Sam Hou-fai on being elected by an overwhelming majority as the sixth-term chief executive designate of the Macao Special Administrative Region on Sunday.

The successfully concluded election is "significant" for implementing the principle of "patriots administering Macao" and advancing the successful practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics, the office said in an article posted on its website.

Sam won the election with 394 votes in favor out of 398 valid ballots.