{{cquote|Genuine [[democracy]], of course, requires substantially more than democratic [[election]]s. Even countries that hold reasonably competitive elections may lack [[constitutional]] limits on [[government]]al 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]}}
{{cquote|Genuine [[democracy]], of course, requires substantially more than democratic [[election]]s. Even countries that hold reasonably competitive elections may lack [[constitutional]] limits on [[government]]al 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]}}