Preventing Autocratic Entrenchment Through Thresholds

What is it about?

This research explores an innovative approach to safeguarding democracy by mitigating the risk of leaders becoming autocratically entrenched. Traditional constitutional term limits have often failed to prevent leaders from manipulating the democratic process to maintain power indefinitely. The study introduces the concept of escalating super-majority thresholds for incumbents' re-elections as a more effective mechanism. This system requires leaders seeking additional terms in office to achieve increasingly higher proportions of the vote, aiming to counteract the inherent advantages incumbents enjoy in re-election campaigns. By setting higher hurdles for each subsequent term, the proposal aims to balance the need for effective leadership with the dangers of autocratic entrenchment, ensuring only highly supported leaders can extend their tenure beyond typical limits.

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Photo by Ben Libby on Unsplash

Photo by Ben Libby on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Autocratic entrenchment threatens the very foundation of democratic systems, where leaders manipulate laws and norms to remain in power, often at the expense of democratic principles and the well-being of their populations. The failure of conventional term limits to prevent this phenomenon in various countries underscores the need for alternative solutions. The proposed escalating super-majority thresholds address the root cause of entrenchment by neutralizing the incumbency advantage, thus fostering a more competitive political environment. This approach not only aims to prevent leaders from overstaying their welcome but also encourages them to maintain high levels of public support, thereby enhancing the quality of democracy and leadership. KEY TAKEAWAY: Escalating thresholds could prevent leaders' undue power retention, ensuring democracy's integrity.

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