Chinese Lawmaker Condemns Text Message Voting

— -- A Chinese government official has criticized local governments who conduct their voting via text message, saying the practice "'vulgarizes the activities that are serious in nature.'"

Zhao Linzhong, a representative to the National People's Congress (NPC) from Zhejiang province, said that by allowing text messaging, such elections could be easily corrupted, the state-run Xinhua News Agency reported Tuesday.

Voting by text gained popularity in 2006, when the popular television show "Super Girls Song Contest" -- a talent program similar to "American Idol" in the U.S. -- allowed viewers to choose their favorite singers using SMS (short messaging service). The practice has since spread to other types of contests and elections, including some local governments.

This isn't Zhao's first anti-technology legislative proposal. Referred to by Chinese media as the "Motion King" for the 500 pieces of legislation he has introduced in the last 10 years, Zhao once wanted young people banned from Internet cafes. Although that legislation did not become law, Internet cafes are heavily regulated in China.

The NPC's annual meeting is being held this week in Beijing.