Xi Jinping becomes China's 'president for life' as Parliament abolishes term limits

Chinese parliament on Sunday abolished term limits for its leader, a move that will allow President Xi Jinping to rule the country for life. China's National People’s Congress passed the constitutional changes during its annual meeting.

The NPC regarded as the rubber stamp Parliament for its routine approval of CPC proposals approved the changes with an overwhelming vote without a hitch.

Out of total 2,964 votes, only 2 delegates voted against making Jinping China’s “president for life”. Three delegates formally declined to vote either for or against the proposal.

Jinping is considered as China’s strongest leader after Mao and is currently heading CPC, the military, and the Presidency, which is mostly ceremonial.

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The NPC also endorsed another draft constitutional amendment to enshrine Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in the fundamental law.

This would make Xi the only leader after Mao and Deng Xiaoping whose thoughts were written into the Constitution. It would place him above the rest of the leaders of the party.

(With PTI inputs)