China’s new path to democracy (2)

Our path to democracy should embody Chinese characteristics and innovation. In 2006, the CPC Central Committee clearly stated, "The two important forms of China's socialist democracy are the exercising of rights by the people through elections and voting, and the sufficient consultation among various internal parts of the people before making major decisions to reach agreement on common issues to greatest possible extent." We will make continuous efforts to improve electoral democracy, and at the same time, we will take deliberative democracy as one of the major forms of democracy to build a bridge between the state power pivot and the public, to enhance the openness and inclusiveness of the political system, to reflect public opinion and the cohesion of public wisdom, and to safeguard the fundamental interests of the masses. Only the combination of both democratic forms can powerfully push forward the further development of democratic politics.

According to President Hu Jintao, Party committees at all levels should "enhance consciousness and initiative of conducting political consultation" and strengthen the institutionalized, standardized, and programmed construction of democratic consultation.

China is striding steadily forward along the new path to democracy. We want and have the confidence to jump out of the periodic law of "every dynasty in history thrived rapidly and also perished all of a sudden."

Read the Chinese version: 民主的新路; Source: People's Daily Overseas Editon; Author: Ye Xiaowen

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