Democracy is of the people by the people for the people! When that's not the case and the seats are sorted via backroom deals done in the dead of night, then it's not democracy!

When the candidates are the product of selection by the party (cargo cult) Bosses, with no grass roots involvement!? Then it's not a representative democracy! Nor is it a representative democracy when that party membership is around 15% or less of the vox populi!

Even less so when money changes hands inside the organization in return for ministerial favour/position?

And not all that different from pirates dividing the spoils of their occupation, where the division depends on the whim and caprice of the biggest rougue/captian.

I don't know how would recognize a democracy via the highly problematic PNG preselection process!

Or given what happens here? That we are a true of the people by the people for the people, democracy! Just a sham or scam, where those with the deepest pockets decide who gets selected and are therefore forever compromised/owned?

That said, the only way we can change any of that is via the ballot box and making those who believe they can buy elections, are left crying in their beer, we was robbed? Look how much money I/we poured in and how little it bought!?

Vote for an independent and not a party (yes Sir, no Sir, three bags full Sir) hack!?
Alan B.

Why do we have elections when we demand predictions ! If you want to know the outcome, wait for the election !
This kind of thinking is constantly disrupting just about everything we do these days.
The so-called democratic proponents are the most guilty.
Sport is exactly the same, they want to know the outcome before the game, Morons !