Party reinforces 'consultative' system of govt

The country's eight non-Communist parties will play a bigger role in decision-making and the creation of important policies, and their views will be solicited on key government posts, according to a new set of guidelines issued by the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

The guidelines aim to promote "consultative democracy", a unique system largely embodied by the political advisory system that features multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC.

The document defines consultative democracy as an important democratic pattern in which all sections of society are consulted on major issues of reform, development and stability before and during the policymaking process.