What is the role of democracy in China?
Democratic reform
Chinese leaders have stated many times that there will be 'no western-style democracy' in China. This means CCP leaders are not prepared to introduce free elections and multi-party politics, as we have in the UK. However, it has been recognised by the CCP that their leaders need to be able to respond to what people need. They have done so by the following means.
Town and village elections
For over 25 years Chinese people have been given the right to choose local representatives for towns and villages.
However, the CCP (the ruling party in China) controls how the elections happen and most of the representatives are CCP members themselves.
Although independent (non-CCP) candidates are legally allowed to stand for these elections, they are often prevented from doing so and very few gain seats.鈥淩easons candidates are prevented include threats, intimidation and arrests.
'Deliberative democracy'
Attempts have been made to allow Chinese people the opportunity to express their views through focus groups 鈥 small numbers of people surveyed for opinions 鈥 and public opinion polls. This has allowed people to express an opinion and for the CCP to draw up policy to address peoples' concerns.
Wider CCP membership
Membership has been widened to allow more people to become part of the decision making process.
Public protests
In recent years China has seen an increase in the number of public or street protests ('mass incidents'). Most protests are in regard of corruption or environmental pollution.
Although in 2022, there were widespread protests over China鈥檚 zero covid rules. Protesters were tracked down, detained and some have gone missing after activists openly criticized Xi Jinping and the CCP. (Source: 大象传媒 News)