Political Consultation, Democracy China Style

( 2012-March-14 09:17:12)

"As I see it, democracy through election ensures the power and rights of 51 percent of a population at the cost of those of the remaining 49 percent. It is an intricate system that seems to be in the interests of everybody, but actually serves a slender majority – the 51 percent. In China democracy through election is put into practice through the NPC, while the CPPCC exists to make sure that the other 49 percent of Chinese citizens can exercise and protect their rights and interests through another channel – political consultation. When the two establishments work side by side, the whole population have their interests represented."

In China, the NPC has the legislative power, while the government has the administrative power. The CPPCC ostensibly doesn't have any substantial power, but Li insisted its significance cannot be underestimated. "The CPPCC's democratic political consultation lays the groundwork that allows all parties involved to reach an agreement acceptable to all."

Furthermore, the influence of such consultations is growing. Following instructions of the central authorities, local Party committees and governments have set greater store by the work of regional CPPCC committees. Guangdong Province, for example, took the lead in mandating that all major issues must be subject to discussions by the provincial CPPCC committee before a decision is made by the local Party committee. "Before, the stipulation was that political consultation should be conducted before decision making. Now the word is must," said Li, delighted by the change.

Why the Multi-Party Cooperation System?

"In multi-party systems, different parties are in competition with each other. Under the multi-party cooperation system in China, the eight non-CPC parties participate in the discussion and management of state affairs, in cooperation with the CPC," Li Junru explains. "That is to say, the CPC is the ruling party, with the eight other political parties participating in running the state, and the relationship between the CPC and participating parties is not like that between a ruling party and its opposition."

The eight non-CPC parties participate in the full spectrum of state politics. They take part in making and implementation of state policies, laws and regulations, and give consultations on other major political issues and are directly involved in selection and election of top officials. The CPC Central Committee consults with non-communist parties before it adopts major decisions, and seeks their opinions before its plenary sessions.

Instead of being directly elected by the public, CPPCC members are recommended for positions by the political parties or people's organizations they belong to, and at least 60 percent of CPPCC seats should go to non-CPC members.

The Political Consultative Conference: A Product of Chinese Values

In Li's opinion, the political consultation system roots in China's consultation-centered political culture. It is valued for its ability to avoid confrontation and division by ensuring that problems are looked at from various perspectives and that common ground is sought without disregarding differences in opinion.

He recounted the story of Yao, a legendary ruler recorded in China's historical chronicles, who summoned tribe leaders to discuss candidates for his successor instead of choosing his favorite or leaving his position to his son. Everyone present was encouraged to give his opinion at the meeting. The successful candidate Shun, who had both ability and political integrity, went on the same method when he reached old age. "China's democracy through political consultation has deep cultural and historic roots," Li concluded.