Promotions hinge on public input

Four years ago, Qiu Mingjun faced a steep career challenge in his desire to rise above the post of director for Santai county, Sichuan province.

His county lagged behind other regions in economic development, and officials were being graded on their local gross domestic product (GDP), or the value of goods and services made within a year.

Qiu had one hope: A new rating system that takes into account the feelings of the public.