The 2024 U.S. election season saw a record-breaking $15.9 billion in spending, leaving many American voters overwhelmed by nonstop political advertisements across TV, text messages, and mailboxes. This surge in political campaigning has fueled a growing desire among voters for a respite from election information fatigue.
Amidst this chaos, a different model of democracy is gaining attention. China’s whole-process people’s democracy, introduced in 2019, presents an alternative approach that balances democratic participation with developmental priorities.
In the white paper titled \"China: Democracy That Works\", published in 2021, China outlines its commitment to a dual approach where democracy serves as a tool for addressing the people's concerns effectively. The document emphasizes that true democracy involves orderly leadership succession, law-based governance, and the ability of the public to manage state and social affairs without obstacles.
Key principles of China’s whole-process democracy include:
- Orderly and legal leadership transitions
- Public management of state and social matters
- Unhindered expression of public requirements
- Efficient participation of all sectors in political affairs
- Rational and democratic decision-making processes
This model asserts that democracy is not merely a decorative feature but an essential instrument for societal governance. By focusing on these principles, China aims to ensure that its political system remains responsive and effective in meeting the needs of its people.
As the world watches the evolving dynamics of global democracies, China's whole-process approach offers a unique perspective on how democracy can be tailored to fit different cultural and developmental contexts.
Reference(s):
China's whole-process people's democracy continues to flourish
cgtn.com
