What is a free and fair …

Democracy must be based on a free and fair elections :
No doubt, in democracy, the rulers are to be elected by the people. But many more things have also to be kept in view. In many so called democratic countries, the final decisions do not rest with the elected people but with the army officials, as is the case in Pakistan. In some other countries, the elections are held but only one party is allowed to take part in the elections, as is the case with China where the Chinese Communist Party is allowed to take part in the elections. So such a country cannot be called a true democratic country in the true sense of the word, although elections are held there regularly.

Free and fair elections means that elections offer equal opportunities for all competing parties and candidates. Such equality requires the ability of political parties and candidates to register for office without unreasonable requirements, balanced access to the media for all candidates, the absence of campaign finance abuse, and an independent electoral process.