Speech on the Question of Convening People’s Congresses at All Levels Nationwide and Locally〔1〕 (January 14, 1953)  On a national scale, the military operations on the mainland have come to an end, land reform has been basically completed, and people from all sectors have been organized. Therefore, in accordance with the provisions of the Common Program of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the conditions for convening the National People’s Congress and the people’s congresses at various local levels have now matured. This is a great victory won by the Chinese people only after decades of bloody struggle and arduous efforts for democracy.  The convening of the people’s congresses will further develop people’s democracy, strengthen state building, and intensify the struggle to resist U.S. aggression and aid Korea.  The government under the system of people’s congresses will continue to be a united-front government embracing all ethnic groups, all democratic classes, all democratic parties, and all people’s organizations throughout the country; it serves the interests of the entire nation.  Printed in the People’s Daily on January 15, 1953.  Notes 〔1〕 This was the concluding statement made by Mao Zedong at the close of the twentieth meeting of the Central People’s Government Committee, which had been discussing the “Resolution on Convening the National People’s Congress and the People’s Congresses at Various Local Levels.”