How did Mr Jintao become the leader of China?

Mr Jintao became leader of China by having the most amount of "votes" in 2003. However, the voting system in China should not be confused with Western democracy. In reality he was chosen by, and is a member of, the CPC.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) holds absolute power over what is called the "Central People's Government," comprising the National People's Government, the president and the State Council. Potential members of these institutions are chosen by the Communist party and voted for by senior members of the party. In theory, other extant 'parties' within China - the eight 'legally recognised' parties - also take part in this vote. However, it is important to remember that these parties are 'legally recognised' for a good reason, and that legal recognition is granted by the CPC.

At the level of local government, potential candidates are again chosen by the party but voted for by the public. That said, it is well known amongst Chinese citizens that the actual result will be ignored if it runs contrary to the CPC's collective wishes. The only apparent exceptions to this rule are Macau and Hong Kong, which are autonomous regions within China.

Through the Command Economy system - whereby all state systems, state industries and anything affecting the state is controlled by the government - the communist party also holds absolute power over any and all companies or organisations operating within China - a fact that is vociferously denied by the CPC, but which is undeniable, particularly given the recent pressure placed on google.

All in all, people do vote in China. The official party line is that, in the PRC, everyone is equal and the leaders are elected by the will of "The People". Clearly though, the members of the CPC ruling elite are considerably more equal than the average citizen.