Communist Party of China launches grassroots delegate elections for 21st National Congress

A general view of the opening session of the 20th Chinese Communist Party's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Oct. 16, 2022

Various Sources

The Communist Party of China (CPC) has officially launched a nationwide process to elect 2,360 delegates who will attend the 21st National Congress in the second half of 2027 in Beijing. Emphasizing political standards, grassroots participation and strict electoral discipline, this election is considered a crucial step in preparing for the congress, which will review the Party’s work over the past five years and elect a new Central Committee and a new Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

The CPC Central Committee has placed political standards at the forefront of the selection process. Candidates must demonstrate political commitment, loyalty to the Party, strong judgment and adherence to Party discipline. Those failing political criteria may face a one‑vote veto.

Delegates are expected to represent a wide range of sectors, including the economy, science and technology, national defense, law enforcement, education, culture, health, sports and social administration. Front‑line workers, model workers, farmers, professionals, women Party members and ethnic minority Party members must make up a significant proportion of the delegation.

The election follows a structured process of nomination, assessment by electoral units, preliminary candidate list, preparatory list and then final election. The number of candidates must exceed available seats by more than 15 percent, ensuring competitive selection.

The CPC has emphasized zero tolerance for vote‑buying or electoral violations, with strengthened supervision and accountability throughout the process. Overall, the delegate election is designed to ensure a high‑caliber, representative body that reflects China’s evolving economic and social landscape and supports the Party’s long‑term governance goals.

The 21st National Congress will convene in Beijing at the Great Hall of the People, following the party’s established quinquennial cycle after the 20th Congress, which took place in October 2022. Historically, the National Congress is held every five years, typically in October or November, aligning with the party’s tradition and practical considerations such as post-harvest timing. This congress will bring together delegates representing over 98 million party members to review the achievements of the outgoing Central Committee, elect new central leadership bodies including the Central Committee, and set policy directions for the next five years.

The 21st Congress is expected to be politically significant, as General Secretary Xi Jinping is anticipated to pursue a fourth term, continuing his leadership and potentially reshaping the composition of the Central Committee, Politburo, and its Standing Committee. It will also coincide with key milestones, such as the centennial of the People’s Liberation Army in 2027.

The congress will open with the General Secretary presenting the political work report, followed by verification of delegate credentials, deliberation on proposed constitutional amendments, and election of leadership positions. A presidium will oversee the proceedings, including debates, candidate nominations, and approval of election methods.