Xi Jinping won a historic third term as China’s president on Friday after a formal vote in parliament, the culmination of an ascent that has seen him become the country’s most powerful leader in generations.

The result of the deputies’ vote, announced shortly before 11:00 (03:00 GMT), is not contested: 2,952 votes in favor, 0 against, 0 abstentions.

Since power in China’s parliament is effectively vested in the Communist Party (CCP), the results of the vote were in doubt.

In October, the 69-year-old leader already received a five-year term as chairman of the PCC and the military commission, two of the most important positions in power.

The only candidate re-elected for the same term as head of state.

The last few months have been difficult for Xi Jinping, with large demonstrations in late November against his policy of “zero infection with COVID-19” and a large wave of deaths following the abandonment of that health strategy in December.

Sensitive topics are carefully avoided during the current annual session of parliament, a carefully orchestrated event in which Li Qiang, an ally of Xi, is expected to become the new premier, replacing Li Keqiang.