Significant step

With the Chinese Communist Party deciding to expel Bo Xilai from the party, the elite decision-making Politburo and Central Committee, the career of one of China’s most powerful politicians has come to an end. The decision enables the party to shake off the thick cloud of scandal involving Bo that hung over the party for over a year, paving the way for it to focus on serious business at hand – the transition to a new generation of leaders. Bo is accused of abusing power and indulging in serious corruption and improper sexual relationships with women. His wife was convicted for murder and given a suspended death sentence. It was widely believed that Bo would get away with a rap on his knuckles given the influence he wields over the party. His expulsion and trial on criminal charges indicates that this influence was exaggerated. Leaders were embarrassed by the severe damage done to the party’s image domestically and its reputation in the eyes of the world. Anxious to close the Bo chapter and keen to ensure that the transition of power wouldn’t be delayed any further, the party top brass decided on firm action to decimate Bo.

While the Chinese Communist party will turn its attention now to the upcoming party congress, the fate of Bo too will be closely followed by the world. Bo’s fall from grace should not deny him a fair trial. Although substantial legal reform has taken place in China over the past three decades, the party still wields immense influence over the courts and it will be tempted to extract political mileage from Bo’s trial. There is some speculation among the Chinese public that party’s ‘tough action’ is an eyewash and that Bo could get away with a mild punishment as part of a deal.

The Communist Party has done well to act firmly against one of its former rising stars. It must step back now and let the judicial process take its course. It must avoid meddling in Bo’s trial one way or another. The suspension of the death sentence in the case of Bo’s wife angered the Chinese people as an ordinary Chinese person facing similar charges would have been executed. A fair, transparent and public trial is in the interest of justice. It will enhance too the credibility of the Communist Party and the government.