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Why do they hold trials that are predetermined to rule as the autocrat commands? Why do they compel the accused to make a public confession of guilt? It is all performative. It is what law and order demands. Citizens who have public profile get a show trial and out group offenders just get disappeared and killed leaving no trace behind.

Elections give the people a chance to demonstrate their loyalty to the autocrat. They give a veneer of legitimacy that everyone can pretend is real. The willing suspension of disbelief upon which all theater depends.

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