Political reform on the mainland should focus on limiting the power of officials and protecting people's rights, the party's mouthpiece said in prominent articles yesterday.
It is the second time the People's Daily has made such a call since rising political star Bo Xilai was swept from power as Chonqing party boss following allegations of misconduct.
In a front-page story that was followed by several articles inside, the Daily said political reform was 'an important part' of the mainland's overall reforms.
The mouthpiece reiterated that the central government would stick to the leadership of the Communist Party and not copy the Western political system.
But the articles touched on key points of modern constitutional government - the 'limitation of government power' and the 'protection of people's rights', including their right to supervise the government.
It said power and rights were two sides of the single coin of 'democratic politics'.