Chinese Law and Politics Blog

Ministry of Civil Affairs Releases Timetable for 2008-2009 Village Elections

The Ministry of Civil Affairs (MOCA) has released a report on Chinese village committee (VC) elections conducted from 2005 to 2007, and a timetable for those to be held from 2008 to 2009, according to a January 1 report posted on the Chinese government's website.

Since the late 1980s, Chinese authorities have implemented limited electoral reforms that allow citizens to vote in village elections. But Party control over the electoral process remains significant. The MOCA report notes that Party members comprise 66.49 percent of elected VC members, and that 35 percent of VC chairman positions are held concurrently by the village Party secretary.

The MOCA report notes three external factors that interfered with the quality of the 2005-2007 elections: 1) family and clan influence, 2) a lack of voter enthusiasm, and 3) corruption and "illegal competitive electioneering behavior" on the part of candidates. 

Position: Intern at the Congressional-Executive Commission on China

The Congressional-Executive Commission on China is currently soliciting resumes for summer internships (paid) in Washington, D.C., working on Chinese human rights and rule of law issues.  Interns must be U.S. citizens.

Applications for summer internships must be received by February 1, 2008.  Further details are available below and on the Commission’s Web site at www.cecc.gov.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to the CECC via e-mail to Judy.wright@mail.house.gov or via fax at (202) 226-3804, attention:  Judy Wright, Director of Administration.