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.
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.