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As American voters wait anxiously for the outcomes of the last races of Election 2006 on the other side of the Pacific, millions of Beijingers took to polling stations yesterday to decide by whom they prefer to be represented at people's congresses, the local legislatures, of their district, county, or township. The elections in Beijing involved more than 8 million voters in 18 districts and counties, as well as 183 townships. That millions cast ballots in a matter of a single workday shows efficient mobilization. It certainly corroborates the municipal authorities' image as capable organizers and mobilizers. In the run-up to the elections, they did impressive homework in accordance with election laws and local conditions. From pollster training to polling booth setup, they demonstrated meticulous care and adroit organizing expertise. They even prepared presbyopic glasses for veterans, wheelchairs for people with disabilities, secret ballot writing places, and emergency medical services for voters. A more inspiring factor behind the high voter turnout, as we see it, is rising voter interest. This may sound uncommon. But it is understandable when we look back on what this nation has come through in its encounter with election-based democracy. Like in many other places, as the elements of civic culture emerge and evolve, politics appeals less to individuals. But the newfound effectiveness of popular disapproval has undoubtedly stimulated the average Chinese's interest in political participation. Years back, mass protests ignited by the tragedy of Sun Zhigang, a migrant worker beaten to death by police in southeastern Guangdong Province, led to nationwide change of rules on migrants administration. A very significant change on the Chinese political theatre is the ordinary citizens' asserting their rights when injustice is felt. Such cases as an individual citizen suing a central government ministry were simply out of the question in the past. The governments' and the legislatures' unprecedented responsiveness to public concerns in recent years has been another catalyst for the popular sense of efficacy. And there is the growing sense of relevance that has come along with transparency. As people know more about what those supposed to represent them are talking about at national and local law-making bodies, and see that they are voicing and dealing with their practical concerns, they care more about how laws and rules are being made and enforced. It was good to see election organizers' arrangements for some candidates to communicate face-to-face with their constituencies. Personal knowledge about their would-be representatives is conducive to voter confidence. Different from previous years, more people may have appeared at the voting booths believing his or her choice may make a difference. Their job as voters is done. The rest is up to those elected. It takes a lot to be a competent representative. (China Daily November 9, 2006) |
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