Beijing — Xi Jinping has been elected for a third term as China’s president, making him the most powerful leader since Mao Tse Tung .

The election took place in the National People’s Congress, where nearly 3,000 members voted unanimously for Xi, who was the only candidate. This election comes after Xi removed presidential term limits in 2018, allowing him to extend his power.

Over the next two days, officials approved by Xi are set to be appointed or elected to fill top positions in the cabinet. While the presidential role is largely ceremonial, Xi has already been re-elected by the party to chair its central military commission and has started his third five-year term as the Chinese armed forces commander-in-chief.