China Cash-for-Votes Scandal Shows Xi’s Graft Challenge

[Valin]

Bloomberg News:

12/29/13

 

A cash-for-votes scandal in Chinas southern city of Hengyang that snared more than 500 lawmakers underscores the challenges facing Xi Jinping as he enters his second year in charge of the worlds second-biggest economy.

 

The unprecedented electoral fraud, which led to the resignations of almost the entire city Peoples Congress, was disclosed on Dec. 28, less than a week after the ruling Communist Party issued a new plan to fight corruption and described the situation as critical and complicated.

 

Authorities are intensifying a graft crackdown a year after Xi took control of the party with a warning the issue could lead to social unrest and end its six-decade grip on power. Targeting both tigers and flies -- as Xi described perpetrators of all ranks -- may bolster the partys image as economic expansion slows and public discontent over corruption spreads.

 

(Snip)

 

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Lawmakers in Chinese city resign in mass bribery case

 

(Reuters) - More than 500 lawmakers in a Chinese city have resigned after being implicated in a bribery scandal, while another 56 provincial legislators have been sacked, state media said on Saturday, as the government steps up its war on graft.

 

(Snip)