More than 30 international students and faculty members from Sun Yat-sen University's Master of Public Administration in Chinese Governance for Developing Countries (MPA-CGDC) program visited the Guangdong Nansha Local Legislative Outreach Office on November 4 to learn how public opinion feeds into China's national legislative process.
Sponsored by China's Ministry of Commerce and hosted by Sun Yat-sen University's School of Government, the program aims to share China's governance experience with developing countries. Its current cohort includes participants from 13 developing countries, most of whom work in government.
During the visit, participants learned how the idea of whole-process people's democracy took shape and developed, and how the office gathers public views on draft laws and regulations and passes them on to the national legislature.
Drawing on real cases, staff explained how the office serves as a "through train" that carries public views directly to national lawmakers. Participants also discussed with staff how the public is consulted and how suggestions make their way into legislation.
MCINTYRE ALIMATU from Sierra Leone's Ministry of Technical and Higher Education said the way the office is designed and run had given her a new perspective on democratic lawmaking.
SHIFERAW MATIYAS TEKLU from Ethiopia's Office of the Prime Minister described the office as a bridge between the public and the national legislature. "China's approach and experience are valuable. I will take this experience back to my country," he said.
Reporter: Zhang Yiwei
Photos: Xie Shuman
