The NPC, the top legislature, is the highest institution through which the people exercise their power. All administrative, judicial, procuratorial and military organs and other State-level institutions are accountable to the NPC and supervised by it.

2987 were elected as deputies to the 12th NPC during the annual session last year.

According to the Electoral Law, deputies to county and township-level people's congresses are directly elected by voters, while deputies to people's congresses above the county level are elected by deputies at the next level. The NPC is elected for a term of five years.

A motion, after examination by NPC deputies at full meetings of delegates or panel meetings, will be a relevant special committee for further exanimation. The presidium will examine the report from the special committee and decide to submit the motion to a plenary session of the NPC for a vote. Adoption requires a simple majority. As the NPC is the top legislature, an NPC motion becomes legally binding when it is adopted.