Shanxi builds clean government

Shanxi Province has adopted rigorous rules and transparent systems to regulate local governance and Party organizations in response to the country’s stringent anti-corruption campaign.

During a conference hosted by the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) last Friday, the provincial government showcased their procedures in selecting and appointing officials while committing to build a clean government.

According to Sun Dajun, the executive vice chairman of the Organization Department, CPC Shanxi Provincial Committee, there are 10 procedures, including, qualification checking, deliberation, inspection, and public polls which are to be considered when deciding on promotion.

Candidates competing for higher posts should reveal their true financial conditions, including their accounts of assets, equities and other properties as the government launches a zero tolerance to corruption. Furthermore, their official status is closely related to the views of the public that they have served.

“What we need are committed, clean and responsible officials,” said Sun, adding that the government officials who qualify for promotion should have sufficient experience obtained while working in different positions.

“The essential value of our democratic system is generally the same as the rest of the world, even though we take different paths. I don’t think all countries must have democracy only in the form of direct elections,” Sun continued.

He said the government needs to learn from the public to consider the candidate and consider their competence through shared public views to finally select the most qualified official. This costs immensely less than direct elections.

Hu Yuting, the secretary of CPC Jinzhong Municipal Committee said that selection is open and transparent as the qualifications of the candidates including their education backgrounds, work experience, lawful accreditations and health conditions will all be publicized for supervision.

Shanxi Province is transforming from a natural-energy (especially coal mine)-centered economy to a new economic model driven increasingly by innovation and conservation, with the growth of non-coal sectors reaching 9.8 percent in the first five months, this year.

Daniel A. Bell, the dean and professor of the School of Political Science and Public Administration of Shandong University, said, Shanxi needs to protect its environment and ancient architectures to carry on its distinctive cultural legacy.

“Knowledge of local history and culture may not matter as much as in the new cities, such as, Shanghai or Shenzhen, but it is important for a historic city as Ping Yao (an ancient town in the province),” he said.