Xizang celebrates 65 years of democratic reform

Xizang has witnessed considerable improvement in delivering democratic rights to its people in the past six decades, said a senior official of the regional legislative body.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of practicing democratic reform in the Xizang autonomous region and the 45th anniversary of the region establishing the standing committee for the regional people's congress.

"Over the past 65 years, the system of people's congresses has evolved to empower the people of all ethnic groups in the region, transitioning them from 'being their own masters' to 'being the masters of the country'," said Penba Lhamo, deputy secretary-general of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Xizang at a news conference on Wednesday.

She said the establishment and improvement of the system of people's congresses have played a pivotal role in ensuring that all the ethnic peoples of the region are the masters of their own affairs.

More than 90 percent of voters participated in direct township and county level elections during the two general elections held since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012. In some places, the participation rate reached 100 percent.

Currently, the region has 24 deputies to the 14th National People's Congress, among whom Tibetans and other ethnic minorities account for more than 66 percent.

These deputies from all walks of life and all ethnic groups are honorable messengers representing the interests and will of the people and also the bridge between the government and the masses.

By attending the People's Congress, they deliberate, vote on various bills and reports, and put forward motions and suggestions, thereby representing the people in the decision-making process.

During the adjournment, the deputies, through participation in production, work and social activities, use methods such as special investigations, visits and discussions to understand the people's expectations, thus urging the authorities to effectively address their concerns about employment, education, medical care and housing.

One example of this work is Tashi Gyaltsan, an NPC deputy from Xizang and head of the Doyul Lhoba ethnic township in Lhunze county, who attended the annual session of the National People's Congress this year. He announced the completion of an exhibition hall in his township highlighting the Lhoba history and culture. The exhibition hall allows the country and the world to see the true Xizang.