Xi's costume of democracy
The world's second biggest economy and most populated country has at many times insisted that it is a democracy. China's claims have made heads turn and risen eyebrows around the world. China at many times has proven that it is anything but a "Democracy". The most manifest reason is that China in no means has freedom of speech or press, both of which are vital functions of a democracy. Another one of the many reasons is the fact that China only has one political party which hinders people from having freedom to choose a party, that reflects their ideologies. The Washington post in the past has even (rightly?) compared China's governmental system to that of Syria. However China has always been able to use its "hood of democracy" to legitimize its actions, as if it was representing its people. Being a so called "Democracy" has even let China save itself from brutal sanctions and rhetoric that other countries (without a democratic institution) have to face. But it seems as if a recent change in the governmental system may put a stop to China's Costume Party.
What happened?
Just recently on Sunday, China has passed an amendment to the constitution that would remove the 2 term limit for the Chinese president. This will mean that the current president Xi Jinping and any future presidents could remain in power for as long as they live or wish. There is virtually nothing in the way of a powerful leader like Xi Jinping being President For Life.
How does China's government work?
In order to get a grasp of the impact of this small amendment it is vital to know the basic functions of the Chinese governmental system. Contrary to what many people think elections do take place in China. They are just very different from the elections in countries like USA, India and majority of other democratic countries. China only has one party, there are 8 other minor parties but they are not allowed to challenge the Communist party's policy. Citizens above the age of 18 vote for the Local People's Congress. These elected members in turn elect the representatives for the Provincial People's Congress. These representatives finally elect around 3000 delegates for the National People’s Congress (NPC). The NPC are the ones that elect the President, Vice-President and other people of power. While this may sound like a democracy, when people vote for local representatives, they don't even know their candidates. Many people skip the voting procedure altogether.
One Chinese commentator says, "The situation is, most people don't vote because they have no idea of who they are. The people who care for election are always the Party members." Since only one party "exists", individuals do not see the difference between candidates therefore the whole idea of democracy and the "Freedom of Choice" is eradicated. "Some friends vote, but they don't know the nominees at all! Thus, they just vote for our principal." the commentator said.
The Chinese political system is a mystery to many, but one thing that is sure is that the people don't seem to have much say.
Xi Jinping's Power Grab?
Xi Jinping is the current Chinese President and is seen by many as the "most powerful man in the world". The recent change in the constitution has been seen as a "power grab" by him. The Chinese President has obtained the power that China had not seen since Chairman Mao Zedong. But a question that is worth asking is what's wrong with this change? Hasn't Xi Jinping been good for China? Why can't he rule for as long as he wants? Xi Jinping has brought some good to China. Xi has started a campaign against corruption, and has punished around 1 million people under this. He also has started a crackdown on pollution, along with reaffirming the Paris agreement. No matter what arguments come up against term limits, it is fair to say that they encourage competition and new policy in the government. Having a term limit also prevents too much power in the hand of one person for a long time.
How the world reacted?
The US president would like to be president for life for himself. He was reported saying “I think it’s great. Maybe we’ll want to give that a shot someday.” when asked about Xi as President for Life.
While twitter has been stormed with jokes about it with the #PresidentForLife.
Some even referred to the move as "Dictatorship".
The world is either laughing, frightened or praising. But everybody has something to say.
What will China look like after this?
The recent developments show that China is moving. But it isn't moving towards a democracy, it is moving in the opposite direction. Instead of doing what the world was hoping for, (in light of Xi's globalization policy) they did what was something that was anticipated. Instead of letting more ideologies compete in the political system, they reaffirmed the "one-ideology" with "one president". China may be on a one way trip to dictatorship. Or China may be still keeping it's democracy costume on. What will happen next cannot be determined now, but 5 years from now, China will have a completely different political map.