Remarks on the Central Organization Department’s Report on the Implementation of Democratic Centralism Throughout the Country (January 8, 1963)

Comrade Xiaoping [1]: Please have this document [2] prepared for distribution to all comrades attending the February Central Work Conference. Mao Zedong January 8

Based on the manuscript. Notes [1] Xiaoping refers to Deng Xiaoping, who at that time served as General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee. [2] Refers to the report submitted by the CPC Central Organization Department to Mao Zedong and the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau on October 23, 1962, concerning the implementation of democratic centralism across the country. The report states that following the Enlarged Central Work Conference, greater attention has been paid nationwide to strengthening the Party’s democratic centralism, and considerable work has been done; the previous weakening and violation of this principle have undergone a significant transformation. However, the implementation of central directives remains uneven across regions. In some localities, democracy is still not fully exercised, collective leadership is imperfect, and intra-Party life remains abnormal. Moreover, tendencies toward extreme democratization—advocating democracy without centralism and freedom without discipline—and toward disorganization and indiscipline have begun to take root. Therefore, we believe that in the future it is essential: First, to continue organizing Party members and cadres to study thoroughly the instructions of Chairman Mao and the Central Committee on democratic centralism, so as to comprehensively understand and master their spirit. Second, to convene Party congresses, Party committees, standing committees, and organizational life meetings for leading cadres on a regular basis, thereby improving and perfecting the organizational system. Third, in order to effectively strengthen Party leadership, Party committees must be relieved of administrative tasks and a series of measures should be taken to bring into full play the roles of the government and various departments. Major powers must be retained centrally, while minor powers should be delegated. Fourth, to intensify inspections of the implementation of democratic centralism. The report concludes by recommending that the Central Committee draft the Regulations on the Work of the Party at an early date.