1.   Based on his talks, Carter was not optimistic that authorities would allow direct elections at the township level.

2.   Direct elections at the township level are not constitutionally permitted, but a few places in China have experimented with them in recent years.

3.   This has already happened at the village level, and could happen at the township level too.

4.   China may broaden local elections to the township level, but only after it has standardized current polling practices in villages, the official China Daily reported Monday.