China will change its method of cadre selection from appointment to open competition, according to provisional regulations released Wednesday, September 8, by the Chinese gov't.

Staff members in state and private businesses, government institutions and social organizations, as well as returned overseas students, can all compete for senior party and government posts, which were formerly appointed by a higher-ranking official.

The above regulation and five other regulations on related issues were all adopted at a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in March this year.

The six regulations formulate guidelines on various aspects in selection and management of government and party officials.

Municipal and country leaders are to be elected through anonymous voting by local party committees after the next higher body has nominated candidates, says one of the regulations.

Introduction following successful practice in some local pilot programs, this regulation represents a great step forward in China's cadre selection system, as until now, local party and government leaders have usually been appointed by superior officials.

In order to select younger and more capable talents, the regulations will relax qualifications for candidates in regard to the length of their terms and work experiences.

A complete resignation system will also be established according to the regulations, which reflects the party's decision to reinforce supervision and ensure better performance.

In order to avoid unfair competition and corruption, party and government cadres are prevented from being involved in any businesses in the region where they had originally worked, within three years after their resignations.

According to the new regulations, party and government leaders may not hold part-time jobs in businesses.