General Discussion

AI Overview (from a Google search)

Countries considered to be dictatorships or authoritarian regimes that still hold elections are often categorized as "electoral autocracies". In these systems, leaders use elections to claim legitimacy and project an image of democracy, even as they suppress opposition and limit freedoms.

Examples of countries with these characteristics include:

Azerbaijan: Elections are held, but the New Azerbaijan Party and the Aliyev family have maintained power for decades by restricting political competition and consistently winning with overwhelming majorities.

Belarus: The country holds elections, but they are widely seen as rigged. Civil liberties are heavily suppressed under President Alexander Lukashenka's authoritarian rule.

Cambodia: While constitutionally a multi-party state, the Cambodian People's Party has systematically dismantled meaningful opposition, effectively creating a one-party state.

Egypt: Since 2014, the government under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has restricted opposition and cracked down on dissent, while still holding elections.

Iran: Elections take place, but powerful unelected bodies, like the Guardian Council, control the process by vetting all candidates. This allows them to eliminate reformists and uphold the system of clerical rule.

Nicaragua: The Sandinista National Liberation Front has been accused of consolidating power by restricting political participation and disqualifying opposition leaders. Elections are still held, but are not considered free or fair.

Russia: President Vladimir Putin has used elections to legitimize his rule, but opposition candidates face systematic harassment and restrictions.

Singapore: Elections are held regularly, but the People's Action Party has maintained a dominant, one-party system for decades.

Tanzania: President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party are expected to win future elections due to long-standing dominance.

Togo: In 2024, the government passed a new constitution that secures the president's power indefinitely, despite holding elections.

Turkey: Described as a "competitive authoritarian regime," Turkey holds elections where the ruling party uses state institutions to undermine political opponents.

Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni's regime holds elections, but the 2026 election is viewed as a contest between his dictatorship and an opposition movement facing severe restrictions.

Uzbekistan: Elections are held, but they lack genuine competition. The real opposition is often prevented from registering or participating.

Venezuela: The country holds elections, but they are often used to confuse voters and fragment the opposition, rather than serve as a fair or competitive democratic process.

This list is not exhaustive, and the level of authoritarian control in these countries can vary.