In China, a handful of well-known commentators, scholars and activists are hoping to participate in the country’s grassroots election this year. But their success, in a mostly symbolic democratic process, remains to be seen. The Communist regime has already signaled its lack of tolerance for independent candidates for the local People’s Congresses.
Long-time petitioner Liu Ping from Xingyu in Jiangxi province was one of the first to put up her hand. Her local election—a trial run for the rest of the country—was in May. But her campaign was cut short, after authorities harassed her for her candidacy.
[Liu Ping, Former Local People’s Congress Candidate]:
“On May 11, I sent a text to seek outside help, then our electricity was cut off. On the 12th I was arrested, and the next morning they searched my home. They frantically suppressed me, fearing I would represent the people.”
The local People’s Congress is the lowest level of governance under the Chinese regime. They are elected every five years. Under the Chinese constitution, anyone can run for elections. They just need to be nominated by ten or more voters in their constituency.
So far, more than 120 people have put their names in the hat across the country—many with the help of social media. More well known ones like journalist-turned author, Li Chengpeng announced his candidacy in Chengdu to nearly three million microblog followers.
The Chinese regime has not sat well with this display of political awareness. Its Propaganda Department has already banned media coverage of many candidates. The state-run Global Times also ran an editorial on May 30th warning against so called “hostile foreign forces” influencing candidates.
The local People’s Congress election will take place until the end of next year. While elected representatives, or deputies, may have a small influence on local policies, much of the political power still lies with the ruling Communist Party. Party chiefs and secretaries are placed at each level of governance, and they largely toe the line of the Party central in Beijing.
Long-time petitioner Liu Ping from Xingyu in Jiangxi province was one of the first to put up her hand. Her local election—a trial run for the rest of the country—was in May. But her campaign was cut short, after authorities harassed her for her candidacy.
[Liu Ping, Former Local People’s Congress Candidate]:
“On May 11, I sent a text to seek outside help, then our electricity was cut off. On the 12th I was arrested, and the next morning they searched my home. They frantically suppressed me, fearing I would represent the people.”
The local People’s Congress is the lowest level of governance under the Chinese regime. They are elected every five years. Under the Chinese constitution, anyone can run for elections. They just need to be nominated by ten or more voters in their constituency.
So far, more than 120 people have put their names in the hat across the country—many with the help of social media. More well known ones like journalist-turned author, Li Chengpeng announced his candidacy in Chengdu to nearly three million microblog followers.
The Chinese regime has not sat well with this display of political awareness. Its Propaganda Department has already banned media coverage of many candidates. The state-run Global Times also ran an editorial on May 30th warning against so called “hostile foreign forces” influencing candidates.
The local People’s Congress election will take place until the end of next year. While elected representatives, or deputies, may have a small influence on local policies, much of the political power still lies with the ruling Communist Party. Party chiefs and secretaries are placed at each level of governance, and they largely toe the line of the Party central in Beijing.
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