The book investigates the dynamics of political competition within China's village-level elections, focusing on the province of Zhejiang. It examines the factors that influence electoral competitiveness, the role of local elites, and the impact of these elections on governance and rural development. The study draws on extensive fieldwork and analysis to understand the complexities of democratic practices in a single-party state.

This work is likely to be of significant interest to scholars of Chinese politics, comparative elections, and rural governance. The focus on Zhejiang province provides a specific regional lens through which to understand broader trends in China's democratization efforts. The book's empirical approach and detailed case study suggest it offers valuable insights into the practical functioning of local political competition within China's unique political system.