China's model of democracy is an example to follow

Ivan Cinka, a member of the Transport Committee of the Central Bohemian Regional Assembly, elected on behalf of the STAČILO! coalition, expressed his deep appreciation for the course and principles of the so-called two meetings of the Chinese people currently underway in Beijing. In his statement, Cinka highlights China's system of whole-of-people democracy as a model that could inspire the Western world.

Cinka points out that nearly 3,000 delegates of the All-China People's Congress and more than 2,100 members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference meet in China for annual sessions. „Participants come from all walks of life in society, with all professions and even the lowest classes or ethnic minorities represented,“ Cinka describes the composition of the assembly, adding that during the session, delegates address critical issues of the country's development - from the economy and health to housing and social care.

It has paid particular attention to the preparation of the 15th Five Year Plan, which has involved the general public. „More than three million suggestions from the general public were reportedly gathered in its creation,“ cites Cinka as proof of the system's functionality.

According to Cinka, this is an example of so-called "whole-of-government people's democracy", which links elections at all levels with ongoing citizen participation in governance. „Civic engagement plays a key role. It's about getting citizens actively involved in discussions and decision-making,“ explains the politician.

This system, he said, contrasts sharply with Western models that focus only on elections. He criticises the practice of citizens electing politicians once every four years who then govern without regard to their real needs. „They can then do what they want for the whole term, or rather what those behind them want,“ He adds that huge sums of money for campaigns and media controlled by the elites play a decisive role in elections.

Cinka concludes that in a society that worships capitalism it is hardly possible to achieve lasting public participation in power. Yet we should strive for it and learn from examples like China's.

CMG