Imagine shaping a law as easily as sending a WhatsApp message. Welcome to the Chinese mainland’s grassroots legislative contact points — the legislative express train — now marking 10 years of people-powered lawmaking! 🚄💬
From Pilot Sites to a Nationwide Network
Back in 2015, China kicked off four pilot hubs in Shanghai, Jiangxi, Hubei, and Gansu. The mission? Make lawmaking less abstract. Fast-forward to today, and there are 54 national contact points across all 31 provincial regions plus 7,800 local offices, serving an estimated 186 million residents. 🏛️
Voices That Changed Legislation
Real talk: These aren’t just numbers. In Shanghai, 71-year-old Liu Ersheng asked for free entry to science museums for youth — and his idea made it into the Law on Science Popularization. Meanwhile, Shanghai middle school students flagged a parental-deposit clause in the Protection of Minors Law, and their feedback led to revisions. In Xizang and Xinjiang, residents (including Uygur communities) weighed in on ecological and development planning laws, with many suggestions adopted. It’s civic engagement in action! 🌐
Chaoyang’s Global Stage
Beijing’s Chaoyang district, the city’s busiest neighborhood, has become a go-to showcase. Since 2021, locals have submitted over 4,600 suggestions on 34 draft laws — 139 got adopted! Ambassadors from 36 countries and Eritrean officials have joined these sessions, calling it a vivid demo of grassroots democracy.
Next Stops: Digital Expansion
The plan? Roll out even more contact points aligned with legislative needs, supercharge digital platforms, and widen the circle. For young techies in Mumbai, Jakarta, or Manila, this model shows how direct feedback can transform big decisions — and proves that democracy can thrive on your smartphone. 📱🚀
Reference(s):
China’s outreach office marks a decade of people-centered lawmaking
cgtn.com
