Elections alone do not make democracy

The shortcomings of Western-style democracy have been gradually exposed. In recent years, Western-style democracy has caused socio-political problems in many developing countries, as well as developed European and American economies. China, in contrast, has seen the emergence of socialist democracy with Chinese characteristics in the past 30 to 40 years, which has come to hold a unique value thanks to its emphasis on running democracy through the entire process of exercising public power.

Socialist democracy with Chinese characteristics includes democratic elections, decision-making and administration, and supervision to ensure the system honors the will of the people, protects their rights and interests, and encourages creativity.

During his inspection tour in Shanghai in November, President Xi Jinping pointed out that people's democracy in China is a type of comprehensive democracy. It has great practical and theoretical significance not only for the development of socialist democracy with Chinese characteristics but also for the development of democracy in the world, and the evolution of political civilization.