Shenzhen, a pioneer city in the country's reform and opening-up, has taken the lead again in the development of intra-Party democracy.

Qiu Zhankai from the city's municipal bureau of civil affairs has become the first directly elected secretary of the Party committee at a local government organization in China.

"We must reform the selection system to make it more democratic, open and competitive," said Li Yuanchao, head of the Central Organization Department.