Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Thousands of villagers in Wukan in South China's Guangdong province, known for last year's massive protests over illegal land sales and other issues, went to the polls today to elect a new village committee, this in country where the authorities tend to crack down violently on any form of protest or unrest. Dozens of activists and journalists, both foreign and local, are monitoring the process in what some have called the first "opportunity for democracy" for the world's Communist superpower.
The protests simmered for months and only came to an end in late December when local party officials were removed because of corruption and illegal land grabs.
The residents' struggle came to symbolise today's China, divided between a rich modern minority and a majority still stuck in poverty and backwardness.
"For the first time in decades, this is an opportunity for democracy," Wukan's party secretary Lin Zuluan said.
Activists and observers from other parts of the country have travelled to Wukan to observe the polls and try to highlight their own grievances.
"Wukan is an example for us," said Hua Youjuan, a village chief from Huangshan in eastern China where residents have also protested against corruption. "What Wukan has achieved through its solidarity is something we can also learn from," he added.
The village committee includes a chief, two deputy chiefs and four members. Today's election is the last stage in a three-phase process that saw the election of an 11-member election committee and 109 village representatives earlier this month.