A joint investigation team in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region released a report on February 13 regarding the election irregularities and excessive appointments of officials within the Ningxia Restaurant and Hotel Association. The investigation was launched following concerns over the association’s leadership election process.

The inquiry confirmed that the association had appointed 90 individuals to leadership positions, including 74 vice presidents, far exceeding the regulatory limit of 40. The election process was found to be improperly conducted, with key procedural steps omitted, such as failing to verify member eligibility, publish membership lists, or use secret ballots. Instead, decisions were made via hand-raising.

Additionally, the association was found to have inadequate internal management systems, including outdated bylaws, incomplete financial records, and a lack of standardized operational procedures. Regulatory bodies, including the Department of Commerce and Civil Affairs of Ningxia, were also criticized for insufficient oversight.

As a result, the election outcomes have been declared invalid. The association will undergo a three-month suspension of activities, during which its registration certificate, seals, and financial documents will be secured. A new election committee will be established to oversee a lawful reelection process, with strict adherence to membership and leadership quotas.

Internal management systems will be revised to ensure compliance with regional regulations. Officials from the relevant supervisory departments will also face accountability measures for their failure to prevent the violations.

Ningxia authorities have announced broader efforts to rectify similar issues across industry associations in the region, emphasizing strengthened supervision and legal compliance.