China's boom in 'citizen candidates' sparks backlash

social media is helping a growing number of low-level militants of local elections - and the authorities are fighting

as electoral agendas go, do not seem terribly radical Lingyun Yang, a pillar of the Communist Party 40 years, is concerned about the sprawl. Zheng Wei wants to help residents struggling with the change of energy supplier.

But the obvious of the two women were modest to land in trouble with the authorities, like many other Chinese citizens who seek to participate in local elections. Beijing police arrested - and over 10 potential candidates - for several hours on Friday after they met to discuss the upcoming elections in the capital. The vote is not something most people associate with China. However, every five years opportunity for citizens to choose their representative for the local people's congresses, the lowest of the body in the parliamentary system and the levels determined only by direct elections.

Sites are usually claimed by the candidates selected with care, but in theory anyone can bring to 10 new constituents of them. While Beijing has a handful of independent representatives, Yang Zheng and his friends are part of a wave of people looking to use this law when the new elections, which began this summer and will last until the next year. Fan Li, the World Institute and China, said that tens of thousands of "citizen candidates" this time. "First, public awareness and civil rights has improved," he said. "Second, the relationship between the state and the government is worse than before. The people with issues such as protection of the rights, layoffs and housing have no other methods ... third, Weibo [China Twitter as a microblog service] is important. "

"In 2006 the media were not allowed to [Report of the independent candidates]. This year, there is no social media, providing a platform for people to communicate thoughts, exchange ideas and support each other. "

representatives Aspiring Weibo post messages, upload videos, including the production of campaign t-shirts. Zheng and his friends natty red scarf and a large banner that says ". Honest to participate in elections for the People's Congress" But his zeal unmatched by official attempts to stop it. Despite the arrests on Friday, Beijing is considered one of the most tolerant. Authorities in other places have used techniques to disqualify candidates to candidates, presenters have threatened and harassed those who seek to take.

• The law states that the local electoral commissions must "confirm" the candidates. Many have simply been omitted from the final list of names
Liu Ping, a union activist in the eastern province of Jiangxi, was arrested in a hotel until the investigation had reached. In Hangzhou, Xu Yan has resigned, but remained in the race when the tax authorities began investigating their employers. In Guangzhou, Liang Shuxin - a male member of the group - he suddenly said a woman who could not bear the Communists. Although the rule was subsequently withdrawn, not on the candidate list.Many these people are long term and some activists see what meaningful elections as a possible way for broader changes in the political system of the China. But for most, their objectives are greatly restricted. Support Group of Beijing talks isolated older people, improving relations between residents and ensure that children have places in crèches.

"They are not truly independent candidate in the sense of partisan politics. It's just people who are running on your own and want to truly represent the people, "said Dr. Liu Yawei of The Carter Center's China Program.

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