The practice of villagers governing their own affairs is progressing smoothly and has witnessed some encouraging results in the rural areas of the Tibet Autonomous Region, southwest China.

    Statistics show that currently 68 percent, or 5,072 of the region's total villages, have adopted the practice.

    Ma Zebi, director of the regional bureau of civil affairs, said that as a result of the practice, the villagers' understanding of democratic principles has improved markedly, and more than 90 percent of the villagers participate in village elections.

    As part of the self-governance, villagers are encouraged to discuss major issues, draft production plans and regulations, and set up enterprises.

    According to statistics, a total of 732 village-run enterprises had been set up by the end of 1998. These businesses have a total investment of 19.19 million yuan (2.31 million U.S. dollars) and an output value of 8.62 million yuan (1.03 million U.S. dollars).

    All villages in Tibet are expected to be actively engaged in self-governance by 2010, Ma said.