Next to the President and the top legislature speaker, the 65-year-old Premier was the only “suitable” candidate for the most sought-after post in the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) hierarchy.

Jiabao is the most visible face after the President and CPC General Secretary – dual posts held by Hu Jintao – who also won a new five-year term on Saturday.

Under the Chinese Constitution, the candidate for the premiership is nominated by the President before the secret balloting is held.

Wen has an image of and is considered a “people’s premier” in China. He is also a key member of the CPC’s fourth generation leadership.

Wen has taken part in overseeing China’s economic reforms and has been managing the economy quite well, according to analysts. He has been “tackling” challenges and presiding over a “vast bureaucracy of the world’s most populous nation with multiple complexities,” analysts said.

The Chinese parliament also endorsed the appointment of People’s Liberation Army Generals Guo Boxiong and Xu Caihou as Vice-Chairmen of the Central Military Commission (CMC), which headed by President Hu.

The announcement for the change of leadership had first appeared on Wednesday, and has continued with the names list unveiled to the deputies now.

The name list was made after a series of democratic recommendations in and outside the CPC. Relevant departments were also consulted on the “candidates’ worth”.

Under the Chinese constitution, the President and the Vice-President, among other top jobs, are first nominated by the CPC and put to vote. The National People’s Congress then holds a session after consultations with its delegates.

The session also decides the head of the State Council after the President nominates a candidate, and upon a nomination by the Premier, other top jobs are also filled.