(Image source: Wikimedia Commons/Secretary of Defense ) BY LORA VLAEVA A new president, Xi Jinping, was elected as the head of the Communist Republic of China Thursday, replacing Hu Jintao. The vote was held during the annual session of the National People’s Congress – the Chinese parliament – where 3,000 deputies gathered. Just one ‘no’ vote was cast, with three abstentions. (Via Euronews ) An impressive result, one a Washington Post blogger compares to other elections with a tongue-in-cheek twist.   99.86 percent – Xi’s share of the vote 99.62 percent – Bashar al-Assad’s reported share in the 2007 Syrian presidential election 99.98 percent – Kim Jong Il’s share in the 2009 North Korean election But the election outcome comes as no surprise. Businessweek reports the Congress’ role in choosing state officials is really just a formality. “It is a still largely ceremonial organization, and its main purpose is to do the party’s bidding ... Xi’s election is part of a carefully scripted process that began at least five years ago.” Indeed, Xi Jinping has slowly transitioned to power. After occupying top party positions, he was elected head of the Communist Party last November and earlier this year named leader of the Central Military Commission — the top military institution. (Via The Telegraph ) But the new president differs from his predecessors in that he promotes change. In his inaugural speech, Xi pointed out the need to reform the Communist Party – though he accepts the party’s authority. “There are many pressing problems within the party that need to be resolved ... corruption, taking bribes, being out of touch with the people, undue emphasis on formality and bureaucratism.” (Via BBC ) Xi’s views on the China’s current economy — one of the fastest growing in the world — are also critical. Bloomberg reports. “As more and more politicians get rich through questionable land grabs, inside trading and old- fashioned rent seeking, there is less incentive to retool the economy. Political will shrinks as overseas bank accounts swell.” But a China analyst for Stratfor — an intelligence company, told the New York Times more fundamental reforms will not be on the agenda because of party pressure. “The talk of reform is genuine. There is absolutely an understanding by the new leadership that they cannot carry on in the way that they have … The ultimate fear is loss of party power, and that’s just unacceptable whether you’re a conservative or a reformer.” The new Prime Minister, highly expected to be Li Keqiang, will be appointed next Friday.