Village Elections, Village Power Structure and Rural Governance in Zhejiang

This paper undertakes a systematic empirical study of the impact of village elections in the People's Republic of China on village power structures and village governance. It finds that village elections have resulted in significant change in village power-holders. These elections have empowered elected village organizations and forced village party organizations to adopt elections. They also have affected the distribution of resources and who holds wealth and power, changed the behavior of political actors, and affected village political structures. Nevertheless, it is too early to talk about macro consequences of micro change. And, in the long run, whether village elections are likely to, in Juan J. Linz's words, 'lead to the destabilization of authoritarian rule,' remains to be seen.