The
primary advantage of elections is that, when fairly conducted, they provide the best expression
of the electorate's political preferences. As the alternative to elections is autocratic, or
dictatorial, rule, then the conduct of open and fair elections is the sine qua
non of democratic government. Elections that are properly conducted exemplify all
that is good about democracy. Their outcomes provide the best indication of the preferences of a
majority, or at times, a plurality of the public.
Note that the above
paragraph repeatedly emphasizes the fairness of elections. Elections in which cheating occurs,
such as in the casting of illegitimate ballots, or when political oppression by the governing
elite or party occurs at the expense of opposing parties can hardly be considered free and fair.
Such has been the case in countries like Venezuela, Iran, and Russia, where one party, or an
alliance of parties, controls the media and the nation's security organs and uses that control
to influence public opinions while actively obstructing the opposition's ability to conduct
effective campaigns. When the ruling party controls the media, as in Russia, then the public is
constantly bombarded with "news" broadcasts that are heavily slanted towards the
government's perspective. In addition, sabotage of opposing party offices and harassment of
political operatives serves to undermine the integrity of the democratic process. Sadly,
elections in the United States, especially at the local level, are too often corrupted by
dishonest politicians and political operatives, and by political parties that wield
disproportionate power over the media, labor unions, special interest groups, and the
like.
All of that having been said, elections are essential for the
functioning of democracies, and, as noted, the alternative to elections is far worse. While
perfect elections are exceedingly rare, elections still, in many instances, represent the
majority view while protecting the citizenry from tyranny.
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