Democratic Centralism

Democratic Centralism

Democratic centralism is a fundamental principle that guides the exercise of organizational and leadership responsibilities in China’s governance structure. It calls for a fully democratic process in collective deliberation that ensures the unrestricted expression of wishes and views of the people and the collection of useful ideas and suggestions. Decision-making is done collectively on the basis of such a process, so that people’s expectations and needs can be satisfied. Democratic centralism also calls for respecting the opinions of the majority while protecting minority rights. It rejects anarchic democracy on the one hand and any tendency to allow the will of any individual to override collective wisdom on the other. It defines the relationship between officials and the public, between superiors and subordinates, between parts and the whole, and between organizations and individuals. Ultimately, it is vital for the unity of the CPC and the nation in furtherance of China’s goals.

民主集中制

民主集中制是中国国家政权的根本组织原则和领导原则。实行民主集中制，就是要求充分发扬民主，集体议事，使人民的意愿和要求得到充分表达和反映，在此基础上集中正确意见，集体决策，使人民的意愿和要求得以落实和满足。实行民主集中制，还要求“尊重多数，保护少数”，反对无政府主义的“大民主”，反对把个人意志凌驾于集体之上。民主集中制规定了领导和群众、上级和下级、部分和整体、组织和个人的正确关系，是维护党和国家团结统一、推进事业发展的重要保证。