New leaders elected for NPC, CPPCC

New leaderships were elected on Friday to steer the development of China's top legislative and political advisory bodies for the next five years.

Zhao Leji was elected chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress at the ongoing annual session of China's top legislature. He made a public pledge of allegiance to the Constitution at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing after the election.

A total of 14 people were elected vice-chairpersons of the 14th NPC Standing Committee, and Liu Qi was elected its secretary-general. They also made a public pledge of allegiance to the Constitution.

Later on Friday, Wang Huning was elected chairman of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the nation's top political advisory body.

A total of 23 people were elected vice-chairpersons of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. Wang Dongfeng was elected its secretary-general.

The CPPCC serves as an important mechanism for multiparty cooperation and political consultation led by the Communist Party of China.

National legislators and political advisers said they expect the new leaders will guide them to improve their performance and make more contributions to the country's development.

"I'll play the role of a bridge between residents and the top legislature, maintaining close contacts with the people to ensure their voices can be heard more clearly," said Zeng Daoqun, a deputy to the 14th NPC from Sichuan province. "I hope to participate more in legislative activities to help villagers solve difficulties and beautify our village through legislation," she added.

Jiang Weidong, an NPC deputy from Shandong province, said, "I believe the new leadership of the NPC Standing Committee will take steps to advance law-based governance, improve the socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics and further promote whole-process people's democracy."

CPPCC National Committee members also expressed their confidence in its new leadership.

"The newly elected leaders of the CPPCC National Committee further demonstrate the CPPCC's features in the new era, including strengthening political guidance and broadening consensus," said Zhang Lianqi, a CPPCC National Committee member and vice-president of the China Taxation Society.

"I believe the new leadership will innovate in the process of development and constantly explore new horizons for high-quality consultation," he added.

Xu Wei and Zhang Yi contributed to this story.