In China, the rubber-stamp legislature is all set to approve constitutional changes abolishing a two-term limit for President Xi Jinping. The move will pave the way for Xi to become country’s leader for life.
The constitutional amendment proposed by the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) is all set to be ratified by about 3,000 members of the National People’s Congress (NPC). NCP is often referred to as the rubber stamp parliament because of its routine endorsement of party proposals.
The constitutional amendment will remove the hurdle for Xi, 64, to become China’s leader-for-life. He is currently in his second five-year term and due to retire in 2023 under the current two-term system. Xi is already regarded as the most powerful leader of China after Mao Zedong as he held the posts of head of the CPC, the military and the presidency which is mostly ceremonial.
The NPC was also expected to endorse another draft constitutional amendment to enshrine Xi’s thought on socialism with chinese characteristics for a new era in the fundamental law. This would ensure Xi’s name written into the constitution making him on par with Mao.
