In an online survey by China Youth Daily, the majority of respondents said they had confidence in the young officials to be fast-tracked through the ranks of the Communist Party of China (CPC). However, they insisted that the officials should, primarily, be selected on the basis of their moral character, the Beijing-based newspaper reported yesterday.

Promising young officials will be fast-tracked to prepare for a new round of officials' reshuffle nationwide in two to three years time.

The survey, involving 15,000 netizens from 31 provinces, regions and municipalities, showed that at least 70 percent had confidence in the future young cadres. But 72 percent said the selection process must emphasize both morality and talents, especially morality.

The survey found 77 percent voted for "people-oriented, honest and clean" candidates, 73 percent for those "having a decent lifestyle and healthy interests", and 69 percent for those who "love and respect their jobs, and dare to take responsibility".

The netizens said young officials should primarily "understand the country's fundamental realities and respect public opinion" (77 percent) and "have an international perspective" (62 percent). Besides, 59 percent said that the young officials should be fluent in foreign languages.

"Past experiences show that morality, the most important quality, is also the most difficult to evaluate," said Xiao Mingzheng with Peking University.

Mao Shoulong, a professor of political science in Renmin University of China, said if a candidate was found morally irresponsible, his promotion should be vetoed immediately.

(China Daily April 15, 2009)