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copied from US State Department - I assume it's in the public domain
Genuine democracy, of course, requires substantially more than democratic elections. Even countries that hold reasonably competitive elections may lack constitutional limits on governmental power, deprive citizens of basic rights, or lack tolerance of religious or ethnic minorities. Indeed, in some circumstances, elections can sharpen ethnic differences or exacerbate communal tensions. To build genuine democracy, societies must foster a democratic culture and the rule of law in addition to holding democratic elections. [http://usinfo.state.gov/dd/eng_democracy_dialogues/elections/elections_essay.html]