1st ld-Writethru: China mulls strengthening work of legislatures

Chinese lawmakers are deliberating draft amendments to three laws regarding the organization, election and staffing of legislatures, or people's congress, at different levels.

Chinese citizens running for office as lawmakers are prohibited from receiving campaign support from foreign organizations or individuals, according to a draft amendment to the Election Law.

The amendment, submitted to the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee for its first reading on Monday, said those that accept foreign funding will have their candidacy annulled and those already elected will be removed.

Also submitted for the first reading was an amendment to the Organization Law for local people's congress and local governments, which defined the responsibilities of the presidium of township-level people's congresses during adjournment.

It said the presidium should regularly designate deputies to hear and review government's reports that most concern the public.

Moreover, they should inspect law enforcement, collect public suggestions and criticism, and pass them to the relevant agencies, the amendment said.

The amendment also increased the county-level people's congress standing committee membership from the previous 15-27 to 15-35. Counties with a population exceeding 1 millon will have up to 45 members, compared with 35 previously.

It further authorized county-level people's congress to establish law, financial and economic committees.

The amendment to the law on deputies with the NPC and local people's congresses was also submitted for its first reading. Endi