Psychologists help select officials (2)

Gong also suggested local authorities should make public the selection process of the third party to make sure the judges' assessments are neutral and not manipulated.

"The officials are facing increasing pressure from both work and life these years, especially in the Pearl River Delta, where innovation is highly valued," Wang noted.

"That's why we put so much emphasis on the candidates' psychology," Wang added.

"Some 80 of them will be put into the talent pool of the district and receive further training. Those who are in the pool will be seen as backup and likely be promoted if there is a vacancy," Wang said, adding that about 55 percent of the 199 candidates in the pool had been selected since 2005 through such tests, which is held every two years.

Many have been promoted to at least a deputy magistrate position at the township level, said Wang.