KRGV.com

BEIJING (AP) China's tumultuous, bizarre year in politics appears headed for a home stretch, with leading Communist Party members convening to finalize a list of new leaders and decide the fate of a disgraced colleague.

People with connections to the party say a highly anticipated meeting of the decision-making Politburo is expected to take place as early as Friday. Afterward, state media are expected to announce dates for a party congress, a pivotal event to install the new leadership.

Dates for the congress, which is held once every five years, are overdue. The delay is a sign of disarray over the upcoming transition.

Disgraced Politburo member Bo Xilai has been the focal point of much of the tumult, which has featured a murder, corruption, two high-profile trials and a deadly car crash.