"2,958 votes in favor!" Xu Chuanzhi, a national legislator from the Ningxia Hui autonomous region, said he could not contain his excitement while hearing the ballot result in the Great Hall of the People on Sunday afternoon. [Special coverage]
"It shows the new amendment to the Constitution reflects the will of the people," he said. "In the future, this fundamental law will provide a stronger constitutional support for the development of the country."
The adoption of the first amendment to the Constitution in 14 years won the almost unanimous support of lawmakers, with 2,958 in favor, two against and three abstentions.
The amendment enshrines Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and stresses that the leadership of the Communist Party of China is the defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
The key concepts, policies and strategies Xi Jinping Thought encompasses were embedded in the Constitution, including a vision of innovative, coordinated, green and open development for all.
The Constitution has been developed along with the building socialism with Chinese characteristics under the leadership of the CPC, according to Li Shuzhong, vice-president of China University of Political Science and Law.
"The amendment means the Constitution is in keeping with the times by incorporating the new achievements, experiences and requirements of the Party, and the country's development as socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era," Li said.
Yang Linhong, a law professor at Yunnan University who has paid close attention to the Constitution's amendment, said its amendment has followed every procedure required to change the Constitution, which also reflects the rule of law.
The constitutional amendment also includes a revision regarding the president's and vice-president's term of office, which legal professionals believe is good for China's lasting peace and stability.
"It is a key measure to improve the State leadership system," Shen Chunyao, chairman of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee, said at a news conference on Sunday.
He said the experience of the past more than 20 years showed that the "three in one" leadership system was successful, effective and pivotal for China.
The "three" refers to the general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, the chairman of the Central Military Commission and the State president－the top positions of the Party, the armed forces and the State.
Shen said there has been a growing and across-the-board call for the provision of the president's term in the Constitution to be compatible with that of the other top two positions. "The 'three in one' leadership is not only necessary, but proves to be the most suitable system for a Party and country like ours," he said.
"It is a successful experience we draw from the Party's long-term governance," he said, adding that this revision is "very important" and its meaning needs to be learned well and correctly.
