Xi takes people centered Democracy on social media 

Published:June27,2022

By Gerald Mbanda

China like any other countries that subscribe to people centered governance and democracy, put forward citizens views on how they wish to be governed since they are the owners of the state. In return, the state should be transparent and accountable to citizens.

From April 15 to May 16, Chinese authorities used internet platforms to collect public views and suggestions for the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress scheduled to be held in the second half of 2022. It is believed that more than 8.54 million suggestions and ideas were received, articulating what netizens deem important for the 20th CPC National congress. 

In a recent instruction on studying and absorbing netizens’ suggestions and views, on the 20^th CPC National Congress, President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of listening to the people’s concerns through the internet and other platforms.  Social media platforms have always been considered as spaces where citizens simply communicate their views, opinions and wishes without attracting attention of policy makers.

The instruction by Xi to respect public opinion and following the aspirations of the people is a strong affirmation of China’s people centered Governance and Democracy of respecting the will of the people and working for the betterment of their aspirations.

According to studies, by December 2021, over one billion people in China had access to internet, accounting for more than one-fifth of an estimated four billion internet users worldwide. This means therefore, that the internet provides an avenue for majority citizens to provide their views in the shortest time possible, and can enable them to interact with policy makers on pertinent issues that concern them and the state in real time.  

The adoption of social media as an official communication platform between citizens and CPC leadership manifests innovative use of modern communication technologies to promote inclusive people centered democracy.

According to sources, preparations for the 20^th CPC Congress began in 2021, and will attract an approximate 2, 300 delegates from all over the country. In 2021, local and provincial party organizations began electing delegates to the congress as well as receiving and amending party documents. The meeting which will most likely take place in November, will endorse the membership list of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and will elect the Central Committee, which in turn will approve the members of the Political Bureau and its Standing Committee, the most powerful decision-making body of the CPC.

President Xi Jinping has served as General Secretary of the CPC  and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) since 2012, and President of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) since 2013. Eradicating rural poverty has been one of the key priorities of the Chinese leader since assuming the leadership of the country.  It is under his watch, that China won the war against absolute poverty.

In a period of eight years, more than 100 million people were lifted out of poverty, a miraculous record that is unmatched in human civilization.  Speaking at a ceremony in Beijing in February 2021, Xi said that it was a “complete victory” that would “go down in history.” Given the track record of President Xi Jinping, on the path to China modernization and national rejuvenation, it is highly expected that during the 20^th CPC Congress, he will be overwhelmingly re-elected as the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party.

Gerald Mbanda is a Researcher and publisher on China and Africa.  

For comments or opinion write to us on info@africachinareview.com