People in governance and the party come from the ordinary people. The country however isn't directly run by the people, due to the responsibilities and capacity the identity as a party member or someone in governance entails you there is a separation. There is a reason for the distinction, because as a party member you have to exclude yourself and the other people in the party from the ordinary people. Because you're working for the prosperity of the ordinary people, and that doesn't include party members. If it did it'd become an excuse for corruption.

Saying the people are in charge leaves out a lot of nuance.