Top watchdog unveils petition process

The top discipline watchdog of the Communist Party of China on Sunday announced a general procedure to receive and handle petitions and tip-offs from the public, in its latest move to become more transparent.

With a graphic, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) explained ways through which the public could report cases, the kind of complaints handled, petitioners' rights and the body's obligations.

The commission said it will handle reports on disciplinary violations committed by Party organizations and members, complaints on Party members and officials who refuse punishment, and suggestions on Party building and discipline supervision.

Public complaints will be accepted via letters, online posts, personal visits and hotlines, and will be assigned to relevant departments.

As for cases within the jurisdiction of local discipline bodies or prosecutor's offices, the commission will transfer the cases to them, and urge them to investigate and report the results, said the commission, adding that real-name whistle-blowers should be responded to in accordance with relevant regulations.

This is the latest in the website's "Looking into the CCDI" series since it was opened on September 2. A Weibo account is expected to open soon.

Wang Yukai, an expert at the Chinese Academy of Governance, told the Global Times that the move is an important step in building a more transparent anti-corruption system. "It also indicates that the Party has intensified its efforts in mobilizing the people."

Mo Shaoping, a lawyer in Beijing, agreed that the opening of the website and the accompanying moves did provide better channels to report corruption and demonstrate the top leadership's determination. "More reforms should be pushed ahead to systematically strengthen the rule of law."