China promises democracy, but under party thumb

BEIJING, Oct 18 (Reuters) China's ruling Communist Party promised to expand citizens' political rights as part of a programme to tame rising social conflict, but insisted the party must maintain control as it navigates turbulent change.

The promises came in the Communist Party Central Committee's decision on ''building a harmonious socialist society'', which was approved by a meeting last week but released only today.

''We will implement democratic elections, decision-making, administration and oversight, and actively and steadily advance political system reform,'' said the decision.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and other leaders have said the one-party state will gradually open up elections for local government and party posts, but the document also spelled out the party will insist on maintaining control.

Chinese citizens who have tried to contest tightly controlled elections for local councils now under way said the leaders' promises counted little against constant restrictions and harassment by local officials.

''China's government always talks nice-sounding words but these policies aren't implemented. They're empty promises,'' said Yao Lifa, a former school official in central China's Hubei province who has gained national renown for mobilising activists to fight local elections.

''I should know. Here I am trying to speak to voters, but wherever I go there are dozens of officials tailing me.'' Yao said he is trying to win a place on his local People's Congress, a largely ceremonial council filled with party members appointed through rarely contested votes.

While promising expanded political rights, the Communist leadership council's latest announcement also says the country must guard against challenges to party rule.

''Strike hard against the infiltration, subversion and sabotage of domestic and foreign hostile forces,'' it says. ''Uphold the party's absolute leadership over the military.'' The meeting that issued the document was a major stepping point in Chinese President Hu Jintao's preparations for a party congress next year, setting out his broad agenda as he seeks to tighten his hold on power.

In past months, Hu has burnished his image as a populist leader by denouncing corruption and overseeing the sacking of Shanghai's party boss, Chen Liangyu, for misusing pension funds and enriching cronies.

The decision promised more crackdowns on erring officials.

''Supervision of leading organs and officials must be strengthened,'' it said.

Reuters AB GC1630