A nation in transition awaits new leaders

As China prepares to elect its leaders for at least the next five years, experts are saying the new guard will have to be prepared to handle rising public scrutiny and a mixed social and economic legacy.

The top legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC), is due to convene its annual session on March 5. During the session, the world's second-largest economy will elect its new head of State, premier, top judge and chief procurator.

The legislature's standing committee and ministers of the State Council, China's cabinet will also be decided at the meeting.