Definition and conceptualization of terms "Elections", "Democracy" and "Electoral Democracy"
Elections: Elections refer to the process through which individuals in a society select their representatives or leaders through the act of casting votes. Elections are typically held periodically and are conducted in a fair and transparent manner to ensure the legitimacy of the outcome.
Democracy: Democracy is a form of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives. It is characterized by principles such as political equality, majority rule, and the protection of individual rights and freedoms. In a democratic system, decision-making is typically reached through open and inclusive processes, ensuring accountability and responsiveness to the needs and preferences of the population.
Electoral Democracy: Electoral democracy refers to a system of government in which leaders are chosen through free and fair elections. In an electoral democracy, citizens have the opportunity to participate in the political process by voting for candidates or issues of their choice. While electoral democracy is an essential component of a democratic system, it does not necessarily guarantee the presence of all democratic principles, such as respect for the rule of law, protection of human rights, and meaningful political participation for all members of society.