As of 2023, China operates under a one-party system, led by the Communist Party of China. This political system restricts competition and consolidates power within the party, significantly limiting electoral choices for citizens. Since its establishment in 1949, the Communist Party has maintained strict control over political, social, and economic life in the country. Critics argue that this system stifles democratic freedoms and human rights, while proponents claim it ensures stability and economic growth. The party's dominance impacts all layers of governance and policy-making in China.