Graphics: Coming and Going

(Beijing) – Representatives from around the country are gathering in the capital to take part in the annual sessions of the top legislative and political advisory bodies, coinciding meetings also called the "lianghui." The meeting of the legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC), starts on March 5, and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) session opens on March 3. The NPC is the country's top legislature and is technically China's highest organ of state power. The CPPCC is the top political advisory body and consists of representatives from different parts of society, including the sports, entertainment and business arenas. Fifty-three NPC deputies have lost their seats at the meeting this year because of dismissals, resignations or death.