Law professor Liang Xingguo was banned from leaving China for an article he wrote two years ago about the importance of Term Limit, which Xi Jinping cancelled in 2018.
The article titled “Term Limits: An Important Institutional Foundation of the Republic” in Lianhe Zaobao discusses the importance of term limits in republican governance. It emphasizes that term limits are essential for preventing the concentration of power and ensuring a stable political structure. By placing restrictions on how long leaders can hold office, term limits protect against potential authoritarianism and corruption that can arise from prolonged rule.
The article traces historical examples, explaining how certain republics have used term limits to maintain checks and balances. It argues that without such restrictions, even well-intentioned leaders may grow detached from public accountability, ultimately endangering the democratic principles of the republic. The piece also highlights the contrast between systems with term limits and those without, suggesting that limited terms encourage renewal and responsiveness within the government.
In conclusion, the article calls for the preservation and implementation of term limits as a safeguard for democracy and to ensure a balanced and fair governance system, warning against the risks that can arise if leaders stay in power indefinitely.