One more issue requires explanation here. Some members of the NPC Standing Committee and localities have proposed that explicit provisions be made on the issue of how the floating population, composed mainly of rural migrant workers in cities, participate in direct elections in the counties or towns where they work. After researching this issue, we believe it involves many areas and is complex. Reform of the residence registration system is proceeding, and the conditions are not yet in place to solve this issue; therefore, the amendments to the Electoral Law will not make provisions at this time. Localities may, in accordance with the guiding principles of the documents regarding the work on elections for new terms of office in people's congresses, take effective measures to ensure the right of the floating population, such as rural migrant workers in cities, to vote and to stand for election.

Fellow Deputies,

In accordance with the principle of "three equalities" and the realities of China's economic and social development, electing deputies to the people's congresses based on the same population ratio in urban and rural areas is an important step in upholding and improving the system of people's congresses and also a major move in developing socialist democratic politics. It will further guarantee the right of urban and rural residents to vote on an equal footing, and promote the continued development of human rights in China. It carries profound historical significance in fully bringing into play the enthusiasm of all sectors of society, in making a unified plan for the balanced development of urban and rural areas, and in promoting social harmony. Let us deliberate the draft amendments to the Electoral Law with a high sense of political responsibility and mission.

I invite you to deliberate the Draft Amendments to the Electoral Law of the National People's Congress and local People's Congresses of the People's Republic of China as well as the above explanation.

(Xinhua News Agency March 8, 2010)