Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Democracy and secret ballot are discussed at the 17th Congress of the Communist Party of China, but nothing is really changing. The 237-member National Congress presidium announced its decision to hold a democratic primary to choose the new Central Committee, which still has to be endorsed by the more than 2,200 delegates.
“The election method is still being deliberated by the delegates," said Ouyang Song, deputy head of the party Central Committee's Organisation Department.
The same method has been followed since the 13th National Congress in 1987.
In 2002, delegates were asked to elect 198 Central Committee members from a shortlist of 208—5 per cent more candidates than elected members.
The procedure will allow party leaders to control the election results to ensure their favoured members are chosen.
A list of members recommended to join the party’ Central Committee had been approved by a panel of senior leaders handling arrangements for the congress but the list itself was not made public.
Once the new Central Committee is chosen, it will select a Politburo, which currently has 24 members.
Beyond what was actually decided, it is still significant that many delegates insist on the need for democratic reforms.
The Cultural Revolution could have been avoided if China had had democracy, Jiangsu Party Secretary Li Yuanchao told reporters. Mr Li, a rising star in the party, even if the disaster could not be avoided, it would not have lasted as long as it did if democracy had been practised in China,
The Cultural Revolution was unleashed in 1966 by then Chairman Mao Zedong to purge the party of his political rivals. It was a catastrophe for the country that lasted ten years, causing millions of deaths and ruining the economy.
Meanwhile, despite all the talk about democracy, the crackdown against dissidents continues.
Yesterday underground Church activist Hua Huiqi, who is under house arrest till at least the end of the congress, was beaten for a second time this week for trying to leave his home.
