A total of 2,270 delegates have been elected to attend the upcoming 18th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress. The delegates include not only CPC leaders at various levels, but also grassroots members and people from different sectors.

Grassroots delegates represent 32 percent of total delegates, two percentage points higher than that of the last congress in 2007. The delegates work on the front lines of various sectors, ranging from the economy, to national defence, from education to social management. Twenty six migrant workers have also been elected.

The delegates who are younger and better educated, are more representative of the population.

Wang Jingqing, deputy head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, said, "The Central Government requires that the ratio of party delegates from the frontline be increased, while the party cadres at various levels of leadership be reduced. Party members at the production and other grassroots levels are recommended and nominated, and then elected into the local party committee. In the coming 18th National Party Congress, we will be able to see more grassroot delegates."

Intra-party democracy has been expanded during the election process. Statistics show that more than 98 percent of party members have participated in the election of candidates. A series of measures have been taken to ensure the election goes according to the rules.

Deng Shengming, Secretary General, the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, said, "In the process of the election, party member can have access to relevant information, take part in the process and supervise the procedures. The election is open and transparent."

The delegates were elected from across the country from April to July when local CPC committees held their own congresses at different levels. The delegates need to pass a qualification check before getting final approval to attend the congress. Each delegate passed through strict nomination and electoral procedures. And the process adhered to the principle of democratic centralization and gave full play to intra-Party democracy.

The National Congress of the CPC is held every five years.

(CNTV.cn August 14, 2012)