Opinions of the CPC Central Committee on Further Strengthening the Construction of the Multi-Party Cooperation and Political Consultation System under the Leadership of the CPC

Programmatic document guiding multi-Party cooperation and political consultation in the new stage of the new century issued by the CPC Central Committee on February 18, 2005, and a major initiative to further promote the construction of the system of multi-Party cooperation and political consultation since the issuance of the “Opinions of the CPC Central Committee on Adhering to and Perfecting the System of Multi-Party Cooperation and Political Consultation under the Leadership of the Communist Party of China” in December 1989. Included in the Selection and Compilation of Important Documents since the 16th National Congress (Vol. 2).

The “Opinions” consists of seven parts and 36 articles. Guided by Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory and the important thought of “Three Represents”, the “Opinions” carry out the spirit since the 16th CPC National Congress, embody the requirements for scientific, democratic and law-based governance, and make scientific regulations on the principles, contents, forms and procedures of multi-Party cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC on the basis of a careful summary of historical experience.

The "Opinions" points out that the multi-Party cooperation and political consultation system under the leadership of the CPC is a basic political system in China and a socialist political Party system with Chinese characteristics. Establishing and adhering to the leadership of the CPC is the inevitable choice of social and historical development, the primary premise and fundamental guarantee of multi-Party cooperation, and an important element in building socialist political civilization.

The “Opinions” summarized some important criteria formed in the practice of political consultation between the CPC and the democratic parties; adhering to Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory and the important thought of “Three Represents” as guidance, adhering to the leadership of the CPC, adhering to the basic line, basic program and basic experience of the primary stage of socialism; adhering to the basic policy of "long-term coexistence, mutual supervision, treating each other with full sincerity and sharing weal or woe" and maintaining a relaxed, stable, united and harmonious political environment. The “Opinions” further improved and regulated the content, form and procedures of political consultation, and gave full play to the role of democratic parties and personages without Party affiliation in political participation and democratic supervision. It is emphasized that it is the firm policy of the CPC to strengthen cooperation and co-working with people outside the Party, and to support democratic parties to strengthen their self-construction.

Adhering to the leadership of the CPC is the primary premise and fundamental guarantee of multi-Party cooperation. The “Opinions” made specific and clear provisions for strengthening and improving the leadership of the CPC in multi-Party cooperation and political consultation.

The "Opinions" finally require the Party committees of each province, autonomous region and municipality directly under the Central Government to develop measures and implement them conscientiously in accordance with the spirit of the document, taking into account local realities.

The promulgation of the “Opinions” has promoted the vigorous development of the patriotic united front work and the cause of socialist multi-Party cooperation, played an important role in adapting our country to the profound changes in the international and domestic situation, developing socialist democracy, building socialist political civilization and advancing the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.