There is something completely strange about dictators holding elections. Why do they even do it? Do they think that they can convince their citizens it is a free country?
I have no clue!
In the recently concluded election Putin of Russia ended up with 87% of the votes cast. Other strong men who have also had similar victories in elections include Hungary’s Erdogan.
In a democratic country, if a party loses the election, they will do some soul-searching to determine why the electorate rejected them.
In Russia, elections are somewhat different. Most democracies permit their citizens who are at least 21 years old to vote in an election.
In Russia, they do things differently. The government prepares or rather updates the list of disqualifications which prevents a Russian citizen from voting. Some of those disqualifications include (a) not having watched the May Day parade in Moscow at least three times in the previous five years. (b) having attended college in Russia or elsewhere. (c) Learning to speak English, French or German languages (d) Marrying or dating a girl who is not Russian (e) Traveling outside Russia more than once in the last three years other than for business reasons.
These are only examples of disqualifications as the list runs through every letter of the alphabet!
In Hungary, the system is far simpler. On the day the elections are held, heavily armed militia stand at the entrance of polling booths. They scrutinize the Hungarian standing in line ready to vote and may admit him or deny permission to vote. If a Hungarian is rejected, they turn around and go home.
After the election, Putin, livid that he got only 87% of the votes even though he was the only candidate, ordered an inquiry to find out who did not vote!