According to reports human clones have been used in public leadership positions...

For many decades.

The use of clones to continue the power of an empire, by protecting the public face of its perceived leader, in case of problems with the existing or original one, was seen some time ago when clone technology becomes known to convert scientific agencies.

Death of a personality or figurehead can result in large-scale disruption, replacing a sick or dead figurehead with a clone makes sense, if it is doable.

Certainly, before the personality reaches the100 mark plans must be made for succession, to make it as smooth and favourable for existing power interests, as possible.