China’s concept of “Whole-Process People’s Democracy” is central to understanding how the nation governs and involves its citizens in political processes. At the heart of this democratic approach are the people’s congresses, culminating in the National People’s Congress (NPC), which serve as the primary platforms for legislative activity and public participation in governance.
The NPC, empowered to enact laws and shape national policy, meets annually in March. Throughout the year, its various committees, especially the Standing Committee, convene to plan and prepare legislation that reflects the country’s political agenda. Each year, numerous pieces of legislation are considered, addressing a wide range of issues affecting China’s development.
Deputies to the people’s congresses are a vital component of this system. As of 2022, over 2.6 million deputies serve across five levels of people’s congresses: state, provincial, municipal, county, and township. Notably, deputies at the county and township levels are elected directly by voters, emphasizing the grassroots nature of China’s democratic process.
The election of deputies is seen as the foundational step for citizens to exercise state power and manage state affairs. Candidates can be recommended jointly by more than ten voters or deputies, and they hold the same legal status as those recommended by political parties and people’s organizations, in accordance with the Electoral Law of the National People’s Congress and Local People’s Congresses. This system aims to promote competitive elections and provide voters with more choices.
To ensure fairness in the electoral process, state funds are allocated to support elections at all levels, secret ballots guarantee free choice, and any actions undermining the integrity of elections are strictly sanctioned. These measures are designed to facilitate fair voting and uphold the principles of Whole-Process People’s Democracy.
Public supervision is another critical aspect of this democratic model. Citizens are encouraged to engage with deputies through various means, such as attending reports, offering criticisms, providing opinions and suggestions, and even initiating recalls of deputies if necessary. This ongoing interaction between the people and their representatives embodies the “whole chain” of people’s democracy, promoting transparency and accountability.
Adapting to changing times, the structure of the people’s congresses has evolved. The ratio of rural to urban deputies has shifted from 8:1 in 1953 to an equal 1:1 today, reflecting a commitment to equality between urban and rural areas. Adjustments are made to ensure appropriate representation from all regions, ethnic groups, social strata, industrial sectors, and government and military services.
While implementation of these democratic principles is an ongoing process, central leaders are encouraging local authorities to enhance public engagement substantively. By involving citizens more deeply in governance, China aims to strengthen its Whole-Process People’s Democracy and further the nation’s development goals.
Reference(s):
Whole-process people's democracy: How Chinese people's congresses work
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