Explainer | Difference between voting and electing

By Angelo Giuliano, Political and financial analyst

Electing and voting are completely opposed, here is why.

Voting is the real democratic act where the citizen is empowered to take a decision where he has a direct impact over a policy.

While on the contrary electing is one of the most un-democratic action, it is counter-intuitive though the election is in fact giving up the right to vote by transferring the decision to a "master" we elect that will ultimately take the decision in our favor for a defined period (4-5 years), with no check and balance possible. By electing we give up our natural democratic right of decision.

Switzerland is a good example of mix where we enjoy both electing and voting right and unjust laws can be overturned trough referendum procedure. The citizen has ultimately the power to take over. A good example of a government for/of/by the people.

Additional to that it is imperative for a country to fulfill pre-conditions to democracy : no foreign interference / civic maturity of population / country safe and at peace / no money interference (lobbying) / protections of minorities to avoid negative sides of democracy > mob rule, the majority ruling at the expanse of the minority. / solid constitution (rule of the game) written by the people to be protected from the elites.

Ultimately every country need to apply the best system according to :

- geopolitical realities

- culture

- history

- development stage

Western style democracy is still at its infancy stage, experimental, the ultimate legitimacy comes from the people support for its institution.

China CPC is at 95% support according to Harvard study. This is legitimacy.