A living democracy is dependent on open competition between different political positions. The free and fair comparison of different programs and candidates ensures the diversity of opinions, gives the voters real choices and strengthens their confidence in the legitimacy of political decisions. If this competition is restricted,By excluding certain candidates, the foundation of democracy begins to erode because a central promise is no longer kept: the participation of all in political decision-making. Especially at a time when social polarization and distrust of institutions are increasing, it is particularly important that democratic rules of the game apply to everyone andnot be interpreted or adapted at will.
Impact on voter turnout and legitimacy
When candidates are excluded, the power structure of democracy shifts noticeably. Citizens feel severely restricted in their freedom of choice and often react to this with withdrawal and abstention. The falling voter turnout is a clear sign that many people no longer recognize the value of their vote and turn away from democracy. inLudwigshafenthis was particularly drastic when only a small proportion of those entitled to vote actually appeared in the runoff election. Such little interest not only weakens the legitimacy of the election result, but also the confidence in the political institutions as a whole. If a large part of the population is absent from the polls, the result loses its representativeness and the electedelected officials.
Erosion of pluralistic competition
The competition of different political currents is the heart of democracy. If this competition is undermined by the targeted removal of candidates, the impression arises that the democratic procedures are degenerating into mere formality. The diversity of opinions is shrinking, the political discourse is narrowing and the citizens are becoming uninvolved spectatorsinstead of being active designers. Getting used to low voter turnout and lack of competition can lead to a permanent weakening of political commitment. When fewer and fewer people are willing to participate in elections, democracy gradually loses its basis.
Loss of trust in institutions and case law
The exclusion of certain political forces sends a fatal signal to society. The impression arises that democratic principles and the rule of law are no longer binding, but can be interpreted as required. This sense of arbitrariness undermines trust in institutions, courts and the entire political process. More and more people startto doubt the sincerity and neutrality of democratic procedures. The mistrust is growing that political decisions are made in the background, without real population participation. When such suspicions are established, institutions and their representatives are increasingly perceived as being aloof, untransparent and non-transparent.
Long-term consequences for the importance of democracy
The continued exclusion of candidates and political positions can lead to democracy losing its meaning in the long term. Citizens no longer experience elections as an expression of their own freedom of choice, but as a ritual without real influence. The feeling of powerlessness is increasing, political power seems to be exerted behind closed doorswhile the population is only marginally as an extra. This process unstoppably leads to the insignificance of democracy because its central values and procedures are no longer considered credible. Political involvement continues to decline, the legitimacy of the elected officials is dwindling, and the institutions are losing their attachment to society.
The importance of open access
Only open access to democratic participation and the unrestricted opportunity to choose between real alternatives will bring democracy alive. Anyone who softens democratic rules and restricts competition risks a gradual loss of trust that ultimately undermines the entire system. Real democracy needs pluralism, transparency and participation -Without these foundations, democracy gradually becomes a mere formality and loses its relevance in social life.
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