China hails consultative democracy on 65th anniversary of political advisory body

President Xi Jinping highlighted consultative democracy as China's unique way to foster consensus among people, while marking the 65th anniversary of the national political advisory body on Sunday.

Through consultative democracy, Chinese people take part in the country's governance, said Xi at a ceremony marking the founding of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

"There are various ways to realize democracy. We should neither stick to one model nor claim that there is a universal one," Xi said.

Democracy is defined not only by people's right to vote in an election but also the right to participate in political affairs on daily basis, he said.

Through the system of consultative democracy, such as political advisory bodies, the public are consulted when important state affairs are decided, Xi said.

The whole of society will be consulted about the interests of the whole country while people in a certain area will be consulted about local affairs and a certain group of people will be consulted about affairs relevant to their interests, he said.

A broad consultation among the people is a democratic process to pool wisdom and form consensus, based on which China's governance will be solid and sound, he said.

Xi pledged that the Communist Party of China (CPC) and government will carry on consultative democracy and consult as many people as possible on as many issues as possible.

Through consultative democracy, the CPC realizes its commitment to represent the basic interests of all people and serve the people, heart and soul, he said.

Through consultation with the people, various voices can be heard and consensus reached on decisions and work, and demands of different interest groups can be incorporated into decisions smoothly, Xi said, adding that the Party is also able to discover loopholes and correct mistakes.

Democracy is not a decoration but a means of solving problems. Every move of the CPC and the governance of the People's Republic of China should respect the main position and creativity of the people, the President said.

The ruling party is to learn from the people and enable everyone to contribute their wisdom to the country's governance, he said.

Xi urged building of a practical political system to embody consultative democracy, including all levels and different walks of life. It should allow the people to be consulted before the authorities make a key decision, he said.

Xi stressed that consultative democracy should be enhanced at the grass-roots. Local Party departments, governments and judicial departments should improve the transparency of their work so that common people will be well informed. They should also listen to the people through regular and close contacts.

While talking about the development of the CPPCC, Xi said it must stick to the leadership of the CPC, which is the common wish of all Chinese people and fundamental guarantee of the development of the CPPCC's cause.

He called for "grand solidarity" and "grand union" to mobilize all positive forces.

"The greater our goal is... the more we need to pool wisdom and strength of the entire nation to pursue wide consensus," he said.

He hoped the CPPCC continues to provide concrete suggestions and good solutions for the promotion of scientific development and deepening reforms as well as for issues which are most concerned by the people.

CPPCC members are encouraged to tell the truth and raise criticism for problems.

Political advisors are expected to play an important role in enhancing consultative democracy in various forms and improve their capacity to conduct research, connect with the people and seek cooperation, Xi said.

Chinese leaders Li Keqiang, Zhang Dejiang, Liu Yunshan and Wang Qishan were also present at the meeting.

The meeting was presided over by Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee.

The first session of the CPPCC was held in Beijing between Sept. 21 and 30, 1949. Authorized to perform the functions of the supreme organ of power, the session adopted a "Common Program" which bore the nature of a temporary constitution and proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The CPPCC ceased to act as the supreme organ of power in September 1954 when the National People's Congress was convened. Instead, it shifted its functions as China's patriotic united front organization for its broad representation.

The main functions of the CPPCC are to conduct political consultation, exercise democratic supervision and participate in the discussion and the handling of state affairs.

Most of the CPPCC members are experienced political figures, social celebrities, and experts and scholars specializing in various fields.