Fourteen Chinese activists in China’s capital are presenting themselves as independent candidates in the local People’s Congress election, posing a challenge to the ruling Party that has long kept a tight grip over the twice-a-decade event. Most of them have experienced have had firsthand experience of the harshness of authoritarian control, but say they hope to channel their frustration for the greater public good. “As grassroots citizens, the 14 of us have deeply felt the challenges in communicating with the government, People’s Congress, courts, and procuratorates,” they said in a statement. “We have often looked for People’s Congress representatives through all different channels, hoping they could help us to convey our concerns to the government, but we have no hopes of meeting with them.” “We want to let all our neighbors and all our voters contact us at any time. We are willing to speak up for ordinary citizens and …