Bai Yitong (2nd from left), gives a speech during the villager committee director election in Gaojie Village, Qingjian County, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Jan. 14, 2009.

Over 400 villagers voted at the election meeting in Gaojie Village, Qingjian County, northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

The recent election of a female college student to the position of villager committee director is a main topic in Gaojie Village, Qingjian County, northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

Bai Yitong is a sophomore majoring in Chinese Language. She obtained commendation from Gaojie villagers within five days of taking office on January 14, 2009, by establishing a folk arts troupe and leading locals in demolition of an unoccupied house that had obstructed traffic for years.

Bai won the ballot in her hometown by 450 out of 461 votes. On polling day she played the Chinese zither and gave a speech promising to complete 10 village projects. Her goals include construction of a comprehensive service building, a new hospital and a highway. She also expects to obtain a free 500 kg coal supply for each household this winter.

It was under her father's encouragement that Bai decided to take part in the election last year in which all three other candidates failed to secure even half the voters' support. Bai spoke with several officials and residents before the election about her ideas to develop the village.

The head of the county civil affairs bureau said it was unusual to have a student village leader, but that the bureau respects the local people's choice.

(Source: Chinese Business View / Translated by womenofchina.cn)