The Constitution of the Communist Party of China (CPC) stipulates that the CPC National Congress and the Central Committee it elects is the CPC's organ of supreme power. All important issues of the Party must be discussed and decided upon by the National Congress.

The functions and powers of the National Congress are: To hear and examine the reports of the Central Committee; To hear and examine the reports of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection; To discuss and decide on major issues concerning the Party; To revise the Constitution of the Party; To elect the Central Committee; and to elect the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

The National Congress of the CPC is held once every five years. Deputies to the National Congress are elected by various electoral units from provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government, as well as the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Every deputy is recommended, nominated and then elected by Party organizations at all levels, before undergoing a multi-candidate-based final secret ballot by general Party members.

To ensure that a deputy is fully representative of the will of the general Party members and the ordinary people, the electoral units also make investigations of the candidates, solicit opinions from the people, and receive their surveillance.

The first CPC National Congress was held in July 1921 in Shanghai. The congress adopted the first Party program, and decided on the objectives of the Party. The congress also discussed the situation of the time, the fundamental tasks of the Party, as well as the principles and the systems of the Party's organization.

The first National Congress marked the official establishment of the CPC.

(CRIENGLISH.com September 21, 2007)