Elections provide democratic appearance
Voting can offer rulers legitimacy at home and abroad even where the result is largely predetermined.
Candidate choice may be controlled
Opponents can be disqualified, imprisoned, intimidated, forced into exile or denied resources needed to campaign.
Media access may be unequal
Government control of broadcasting and advertising can allow the ruling party to dominate information while technically permitting opposition.
Election administration matters
Voter registration, district boundaries, ballot counting, observers and complaint procedures determine whether votes are translated fairly.
Fear changes political participation
Citizens may vote under surveillance, pressure from employers or officials, or concern that their communities will be punished.
Democracy continues between elections
Genuine democracy requires civil liberties, independent courts, free association, accountable institutions and the ability to criticise government.
Evidence notes
Assessment should examine candidate access, media freedom, electoral administration, observers, campaign finance, intimidation, counting transparency and whether winners can genuinely take office.
Ethical questions
Can an election be free when the information environment is controlled?
How realistic must the possibility of government defeat be?
Which democratic rights must exist between elections?
Conclusion
Elections can exist without genuine democracy. Voting becomes democratic only when citizens have meaningful choices, reliable information, protected freedoms and institutions capable of enforcing the result.