Introduction

Unlike the election models in other Asian countries, rural elections in China were created from the grassroots level by farmers before they were officially and legally recognized by the government.

Context and Changes

As China is going through rapid urbanization and an increasing number of the rural population is moving to cities, village elections and power structures in the villages are also experiencing changes.

Analysis and Implications

By drawing on over 2,000 rural elections cases in China, this book analyzes the latest developments and deciphers their implications — not only for village elections, but also for China''s democratization process.

Interplay Between Power and Elections

It also examines the interplay between state power and village elections: whether one grows at the expense of the other.

Target Audience

Readers interested in China''s rural elections will find this book a useful read.