Question

What challenges do elections face in practice, and how can these challenges affect democracy?

Answer 1

In practice, democracy is weakened when people are denied regular and genuine choices. For example, extending a government’s term without holding fresh elections or allowing only one political party to contest elections reduces citizens’ choices. Without free and regular elections, elected representatives may not remain accountable to the people. This weakens the democratic mandate and limits citizens’ ability to express their political views.