Reforms in the petition letter and visit system of China and construction of a harmonious society

Abstract

A petitioner participates in the administration of public affairs at his own discretion. A cooperative relationship exists between the petitioner, petition letter, office visits and the related functional departments. Good governance is reflected in petition system which is to set up a balance between public interests and citizens’ private rights. Institutional reform regarding the petition letter and visit system should focus on the “settlement of issues”. The specific design of the petition reform must comply with the requirements of good governance, balancing the rights and serving the interests of the parties concerned. Only in this way, can we achieve cooperative and harmonious governance of the society and still allow for the involvement of various forces in the society. The petition system plays an important role in promoting the cooperation and mutual assistance of public power and private rights, executing two-way persuasions, improving error corrections and regulating the settlement of disputes.