At the recent Understanding China Conference in Guangzhou, David Ferguson, a senior translation editor at Foreign Languages Press, shed light on China’s unique approach to modernization and democracy.
Ferguson emphasized that the People's Congress is the cornerstone of the political system in the Chinese mainland. Contrary to Western perceptions, the first layer of the People’s Congress is directly elected through a process similar to Western elections, featuring multiple candidates without the need for party affiliations.
Universal suffrage and secret ballots ensure that every resident in China has the right to vote for their local representatives. This grassroots level of democracy allows voters to assess candidates based on daily interactions, ensuring that those elected are truly reflective of the people's needs and aspirations.
As the hierarchy progresses, each subsequent level of the Congress is elected by the subordinate level above it, creating a structured and representative system.
Ferguson highlighted the diversity within the National People's Congress, which includes representatives from various localities, ethnic minorities, social groups, women, youth, trade unions, and experts across different fields. This wide range of representation ensures that the Congress is a true reflection of the population's multifaceted nature.
Another key aspect of China's political system is the legislature's role in translating the strategic vision of the Communist Party of China (CPC) into concrete laws and policies. Importantly, every citizen has a constitutional right to contribute to the legislative process. This open-door policy allows individuals to make suggestions and comments on proposed legislation, some of which have been adopted, demonstrating the effectiveness of citizen participation in governance.
Ferguson’s insights reveal a system that prioritizes modernization through inclusive and structured democratic practices, challenging the notion that China lacks democratic processes.
This open-door policy allows individuals to make suggestions and comments on proposed legislation, some of which have been adopted, demonstrating the effectiveness of citizen participation in governance.
