Kathy Chen Chinese President Jiang Zemin has recently given the go-ahead to his advisors and some elite social science researchers for exploring the models and feasibilities of political reform. Study topics include presidential election systems, multiparty elections, separation of the military and the party, and the rule of law . Changes in the political system are not expected in the immediate future, though experts say Jiang's move will initiate some reforms that could fundamentally transform the country's authoritarian Communist ruling. Jiang is believed to be searching for orderly procedures of political reform that would promote stability and economic growth in China. Several research institutes have received Jiang's authorization to study different models for China's unique political reform.
Details remain sketchy.
Involved researchers include WANG Huning , Jiang's advisor and former Director of the Political Science Department, Fudan University. Wang is examining the potential for introducing a presidential election system. Most likely it will be an indirect election where delegates of the National People's Congress choose the president. Such an election will bolster the legitimacy and powers of the presidency, making it more than a ceremonial post, which it is now. Presently, Jiang holds two other titles, the Secretary General of the Communist Party Central Committee and the Chairman of the Communist Party Central Military Commission.