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National Assembly always get 100 percent of the vote, because they run unopposed. The candidates are selected by the Communist Party, the only legal political party in Cuba. Iran’s constitution requires all would-be candidates for office to receive the approval of an unelected 12-member committee of Islamic legal authorities known as the Council of Guardians. In 2017, the Council rejected more than 1,600 presidential aspi- rants, permitting just six candidates on the ballot. In a true democracy, the opportunity to run for public office cannot be limited to members of a ruling party, or to candidates with views acceptable to those in power. Voters must have real choices. Democracy emphasizes robust competition. Democracy also emphasizes inclusion. Today, universal suffrage —the right of all adult citizens to vote—is generally regarded as a requirement for democracy. Historically, that wasn’t the case, however. Until the 20th century, almost every democratic country failed to extend voting rights to women.

Educational Video

Scan here for a short video on the 2016 election:

A People’s Government

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