CGTN:
My question is for Mr. Qi. We have noticed that the number of delegates to the 19th CPC National Congress was set at 2,300. A total of 2,287 delegates were elected, and the qualifications of 2,280 were confirmed as valid. How to explain the difference in the numbers? And I wonder if there are any new features during this year's election process compared to previous Congress gatherings.
Qi Yu:
Thanks for your question. The CPC Central Committee attached great significance to the delegate election for the 19th National Congress, stressing that candidates should be scrutinized politically and ethically. Delegates should all be advanced people and highly representative. All election units, in accordance with the requirements of the CPC Central Committee, gave full play to the leadership and oversight of Party organizations at all levels in the election of delegates. The candidates underwent several rounds of strict examination for their political quality, integrity and conduct.
After the delegates to the 19th CPC National Congress were elected, we continue to make conscientious examinations of their qualifications, especially for those who have been reported for possible misconducts.
Unqualified delegates have been removed in accordance with party rules. With the approval of the CPC Central Committee, Sun Zhengcai and other 26 formerly elected CPC delegates were disqualified due to wrongdoings related to the violating of laws and disciplines.
Because of a relatively large number of vacancies in the Chongqing delegation to the 19th CPC National Congress, a by-election of the CPC Congress was held timely in accordance to the arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and established procedures, and14 delegates were elected. A list of 2,287 delegates to the 19th CPC National Congress approved by the CPC Central Committee was released on Sept. 29.
After its release, seven people were deemed to be inappropriate ever since and were disqualified from their roles as delegates to the 19th CPC National congress.
A total of 2,280 delegates to the 19th CPC Congress are qualified for their roles after deliberation from the congress's Credential Committee. This not only shows the high standards and strict qualifications for the delegates but also demonstrates the CPC's resolve for ensuring strict Party self-governance.
Compared to the past, the election of delegates to the 19th CPC National Congress is indeed stricter. It has the following features.
First, we placed more emphasis on political performance. We adhered to the criteria set up for the representatives, and examined each in a strict manner as required. We set the following four requirements to ensure a well-qualified team of representatives: a detail report on the career of each representative must be reviewed, relevant major matters concerning them must be examined, suggestions from disciplinary inspection authorities must be carefully considered, and any accusatory letters providing detailed clues must be thoroughly investigated. What we have introduced already is attributable to our examination according to the criteria established at all levels.
Second, we paid more attention to intraparty democracy. The nomination process started from the grassroots to fully listen to the opinions of Party members. Nominations came from almost all grassroots Party organizations, and the participation rate of Party members reached 99.2 percent.
Third, we paid more attention to improving the representational structure. We increased the proportion of workers from the production side as well as other posts. As you can see during these two days, special passages have been set up for contact with representatives in the Great Hall of the People, and most of those interviewed were Party representatives from grassroots organizations. The proportion of grassroots party representatives this time reached 33.8 percent of the total, an increase of 3.3 percentage points from the 18th CPC National Congress. It is not a small increase.
We have always given priority to discipline and adherence to the rules, and insisted on zero tolerance of any violations of discipline and rules, ensuring a fair and just election process for the representatives. Thank you.