The Accountability Function within a One-party Regime: The Case of China’s Local People’s Congress

It has been a fresh, but challenging, journey from the beginning of this research project to the accomplishment of the final manuscript. Throughout this process, I have had the chance to increase my knowledge in politics, to appreciate a distinctive culture, and to expand my international perspective. Many faces have, in different ways, helped me to live though this process, and appear before my eyes when I look back on the past. I first would like to thank Professor Tor Midtbø, my supervisor, for giving me the opportunity to follow you in my studies, and for great guidance in both politics and life. Your concise and inspiring way of explaining political science has made the topic so much more interesting. Valuable comments on each chapter of this work opened my eyes to international standards of academic research. You always pointed me in the right direction despite the difficulties and troubles as I was frequently lost. Much appreciated! I would like to express sincere respect to those local officials, scholars, and staff members interviewed in China who opened your minds and shared your opinions wit