Recently, Fangbian Village, Xicheng Sub-district, Jintan was awarded as a National Model Village in Construction of Democracy by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Civil Affairs. The awarding ceremony was held on the 20^thof November.

Fangbian Village used to be undeveloped in economy among the villages in Jintan. About 10 years ago, Jiangsu Provincial Department of CPC Committee Organization initiated a pilot election program called ‘direct election� to select the village’s party branch of CPC, as well as a no-candidate ‘competitive election� mode to directly select its party general branch of CPC. The two committees elected by villagers gave full play to its suburban geographical advantage and the initiation of land transfer, and constructed four specialty bases respectively for agricultural eco-park, flowers and nursery stock, crab farming, and quality rice. 12 companies were established at the same time. Now, there are more than 180 villagers working in the ecological park and 528 villagers employed by the 12 companies. Last year, the village’s economic income reached 1.5 million yuan, ranking among the list of top 20 ‘Chinese Characteristic Villages.�