Li and her husband lived in a village where the village chief was appointed by the county and was a despot. In the 1997 election year, the village peasants joined force to oust him and elected someone else whom they could accept. However, the county would not recognize the election result and continue to make their appointment. Li’s husband was infuriated and started in the petition process, since open election of village chief was sanctioned by the law. The petition became an endless process involving time and expense. Li has supported her husband in this effort. She took full responsibility supporting the household as well as paying for her husband’s expenses in pursuing the petition.
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