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China Program
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How likely is it that these democratic initiatives will spread to higher levels of Chinese government? Former President Carter urged Chinese officials to move open and direct elections above the village level. Three provinces experimented with township elections in 1998 and 1999, which Carter Center delegations observed. Townships represent the lowest level of official government. Township leaders have been traditionally appointed by higher authorities — deputies of the National People's Congress who citizens elect. The party has discouraged the continuation or expansion of the provincial experiments with township elections. Nonetheless, the seeds have been sewn among a large number of citizens for a greater voice in government. Discussion of democratic concepts continues in China's academic community and on Web sites the Center helped develop.
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