The NPC is composed of deputies who are component members of the
highest organ of state power and collectively exercise the power of
the highest state organ. According to the Constitution and the
Organization Law of the National People's Congress, each deputy
serves a term of five years beginning with the opening of the 1st
session of each NPC and ends with the 1st session of the following
NPC. Deputies emerged from by-elections shall serve from the date
of election to the end of the present term of office of the NPC.
Rights of the deputies:
1.
Right to draft proposals for bills, raising suggestions, criticisms
and voicing opinions;
2.
Right to vote in election and decide on appointment;
3.
Right to raise bills for questioning and conduct hearings;
4.
Right not to be investigated for their speeches and voting at
various sessions of the NPC;
5.
Right not to be arrested or criminally tried without permission
when the NPC is in session or not in session;
6.
Right to make inspections concerning issues under review by the
NPC; and
7.
Right to enjoy guarantee provided by the state and society to the
deputies according to practical needs when attending NPC sessions
or exercising other rights belonging to the deputies.
Obligations of the deputies:
1.
Obligation to exemplarily abide by the Constitution and laws,
earnestly exercise rights and functions, maintain state secret and
assist the enforcement of the Constitution and laws in the
production, work and social activities they engage in; and
2.
Obligation to maintain close contact with the units and people from
whom they are elected, listen to and report people's opinions and
demands and strive to serve the people.
(China.org.cn May 20, 2003)