Candidates for senior positions in some Chinese provinces and
municipalities need to pass law exams if they want the job,
according to new local regulations.
The people's congresses of Beijing, Zhejiang, Chongqing, Guizhou
and Qinghai have required the tests.
"Results of the exams will be used as one of the criteria to
determine whether the candidates will be appointed," said an
official with the central government office charged with law
publicity.
People's congresses held the power to hire and fire senior
officials, including government head and heads of judicial
organs.
China began a five-year campaign to promote awareness of the law
in 2006 in a continued effort to promote the "rule of law". Civil
servants are listed as a priority for legal awareness.
Four previous campaigns had targeted leading officials.
The official said public awareness and knowledge of the law had
increased steadily as a result of the campaigns, which also
prompted public organs to review their operations to conform with
the law.
(Xinhua News Agency May 2, 2006)