A country cannot be truly democratic until its citizens have the opportunity to choose their representatives through elections that are free and fair. Critical development efforts cannot succeed without a legitimate and democratically elected government that is responsive and accountable to its citizens. Elections provide an important opportunity to advance democratization and encourage political liberalization.

For an election to be free and fair, certain civil liberties, such as the freedoms of speech, association and assembly, are required.

Elections can be a primary tool to foster political openings and expand political participation.

Electoral processes offer political parties and civic groups an opportunity to mobilize and organize supporters and share alternative platforms with the public.

Elections also serve to encourage political debate and public dialogue.

–"Supporting Free and Fair Elections,"
US Agency for International Development

What information in the passage supports the idea that fair elections are part of democracy?
Fair elections are connected to freedom of speech.

Fair elections are connected to freedom of assembly.

Fair elections help a government seem legitimate.

Fair elections help more candidates to run and more people to vote.