Democracy Quote by Joseph Stalin
“It is enough that the people know there was an election. The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Soviet Propaganda, 1937
Elections are superficial; real power lies with those who count the votes.
In simple terms: Elections are a façade; vote counters hold power.
Key Takeaway
Question the legitimacy of electoral processes.
Themes
politics
authoritarianism
elections
Mood
skeptical
serious
Type
political
critical
When to use this quote
- civic education
- electoral reform
- journalism
Key Concepts
power concentration
democratic illusion
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies ensure vote integrity?
- What mechanisms prevent vote manipulation?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue counts are transparent.
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
![“[American Communist Party] legally exists in the U.S.A., it nominates its candidates in the elections, including Presidential elections.” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dca/joseph-stalin-1734_candidates_american-communist-party-legally-exists_113675.jpg)
![“Vote for Donald Trump. You're going to see something and you'll be so happy, you'll be so thrilled. This [presidential] election is about every man, woman and child in our country who deserves to live in safety, prosperity and peace, so true.” quote by Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/18e/donald-trump-18_children_vote-for-donald-trump-you-re-going-to-se_1553.jpg)
