People-powered politics: China's vision for inclusive democracy

As the 2024 Two Sessions concluded, a captivating story of inclusion and political engagement emerged, resonating with both the Chinese nation and the global audience. Among the nearly 3,000 delegates serving in the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), Wang Yongcheng, a deputy with visual impairment, stood out. The accommodations provided to Wang, including conference materials and the government work report in braille, powerfully demonstrate China's commitment to promoting the political participation and social integration of individuals with disabilities. Wang's presence transcends symbolism; it embodies a profound message of inclusion, resilience, and the potential for all members of society to contribute meaningfully to the political process.

Wang's five-year term carries not only his own aspirations but also the dreams and expectations of the broader community of individuals with disabilities. His determination to pursue his goals and inspire his peers to embrace life with resilience, self-improvement and positivity is a testament to the transformative potential of inclusive politics. The significance of Wang's participation was further highlighted in a discussion hosted by CGTN's Enoch Wong on "The Power of Youth" show, titled "GenZ Rising: Beyond Ballots," featuring youth representatives from the U.S., Europe and Australia. The insights shared by these young political observers underscore the profound impact of empowering marginalized voices and the importance of proactively engaging and meaningfully including diverse voices, particularly those of the youth, in shaping the future of politics.

Joseph, a Croatian resident doctor at Capital Medical University, emphasized the invaluable contributions that people with disabilities make to politics. "People with disabilities bring unique perspectives and experiences to politics, enriching discussions and driving inclusivity," he noted, adding that their participation is essential for crafting policies that cater to the needs and rights of all citizens.

As a medical professional, Joseph recognizes the importance of referring to individuals with disabilities as "very special people," acknowledging that their way of life and thinking is unique and valuable beyond imagination. He expressed his appreciation for "China's efforts in listening to and warmly welcoming these individuals into the political process." He also noted that witnessing such small yet meaningful actions in China touches him deeply and contributes to his enjoyment of living in this remarkable country.

Nicholas, an American PhD student in electrical engineering at Tsinghua University, offered a thought-provoking perspective on the broader implications of China's commitment to inclusivity. He observed that while media coverage of the Two Sessions in the Anglophone sphere often focuses on economic policies and GDP growth, the true significance lies in the country's willingness to invest in making society accessible to all people, including those with disabilities.

The fact that the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government are "embarking on this task tells that it is not only financially capable but also willing to consider even the most marginalized portions of the population," Nicholas remarked. His words serve as a reminder that the measure of a nation's progress and values extends beyond mere financial metrics and that prioritizing the well-being of all citizens, regardless of their abilities or circumstances, is a hallmark of genuine leadership and compassion.

As the world stands on a pivotal election year, where close to 4 billion people are expected to cast their vote in an election across more than 60 countries in 2024, the call for proactive engagement and meaningful inclusion of diverse voices, particularly those of the youth, reverberates across borders. 

Cici, an Australian undergraduate student in politics at Peking University, stressed the importance of political leaders taking the initiative to reach out to young people, rather than adopting a passive, open-door policy. "Political leaders need to be proactive. You can't wait for the youth to come to you. You must go to them and make yourself accessible. And that's how you get a real representative sample of youth voices," Cici asserted, her words echoing the sentiments of a generation eager to be heard and involved in shaping their political future.

Joseph also stressed the importance of proactive engagement, calling on governments to initiate contact with young people. He recommended using polling and surveys as key tools to gain insights into the current situation and assess progress over time. It was pointed out that waiting four years for results is simply lazy, irresponsible and ignorant. An emphasis on ongoing dialogue and evaluation throughout the political process is urgently needed.

Nicholas proposed an innovative approach to gauging the sentiment of youth by leveraging the power of technology. He suggested utilizing big data and machine learning to analyze social media platforms, enabling political leaders to gain valuable insights into the opinions and concerns of young people on a massive scale. "Instead of going out door to door on the streets and gathering 100 signatures, 100 responses a day, you can use big data and use machine learning to analyze," he explained, emphasizing the need for politicians to embrace technological advancements to facilitate and improve the quality of the democratic process. And shutting down a highly popular social media app is simply a bad solution to the wrong problem.

Zuzanna, a Polish graduate student in international relations at Tsinghua University, underscored the importance of active listening in political engagement. She urged politicians to step out of their comfort zones and engage with different perspectives, particularly those they disagree with. "Politicians must listen to different perspectives, particularly those whom they don't agree with. This is very important. And usually, a lot of those happen on the ground, in communities," she said, advocating for genuine connections and conversations beyond mere photo opportunities and public relations stunts.

As we navigate the complexities of the modern political landscape, it is crucial to rise above the simplistic labeling and polarization that often characterize electoral campaigns. The host astutely observed that during elections, there is a significant amount of ideological labeling, such as "democratic," "authoritarian," "socialist," "fascist" or "radical." This practice of boxing people in, attempting to discredit and delegitimize opponents on a superficial level, creates polarization and "enemies," with each side claiming moral superiority and forcing voters to choose between a false dichotomy. True progress and unity can only be achieved by transcending these divisive tactics and focusing on the common challenges and needs that unite us as human beings. The show host expressed that we must go beyond the bare minimum of winning an election with 51 percent of the votes. The mandate of an elected official should be to serve all people, leaving no one behind, rather than consistently neglecting the needs of the 49 percent who did not vote for them.

Democracy thrives when it adapts to different contexts, environments and histories. By embracing diversity, proactively engaging with all segments of society, and harnessing the potential of technology, we can build a more inclusive, resilient, and equitable political future for generations to come. The story of Wang Yongcheng and the insights shared by the young political observers from around the world offer a glimpse into the transformative power of inclusion and empowerment. As we stand on the precipice of a new era in global politics in a world that often seems fractured and divided, let us draw inspiration from their words and actions and work tirelessly to create a world where every voice is heard, every contribution is valued, and every individual has the opportunity to shape the course of history.

In the end, the true measure of a democracy lies not in the percentage of votes cast but in the depth of its commitment to uplifting and empowering all members of society, particularly those who have been historically marginalized or overlooked. By rising beyond the ballots and embracing the power of inclusion, we can build a political landscape that reflects the richness and diversity of the human experience and pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all. The 2024 Two Sessions have shown us that the path to a more inclusive and equitable future is not only possible but also necessary. By embracing the unique perspectives and experiences of all members of society, China is laying the foundation for a political system that truly represents the aspirations and needs of its people.