“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. ”
— Joseph Stalin
Simplified Meaning:
In a country or organization, just having an election isn't enough if the process isn't honest. Imagine if your school held a vote for class president, but only a few teachers counted the votes and they chose their favorite student, regardless of how everyone actually voted. Even if everyone thinks their vote matters, it doesn't if those counting them are dishonest. This quote means that true power lies with those who tally the votes, not the voters themselves. In real life, if an election is not conducted fairly, it can lead to leaders being chosen by cheating. For instance, in some countries with corrupt governments, elections are held to appear democratic, but the results are manipulated. To apply this wisdom, one should support transparent and fair voting processes, and be cautious about those overseeing them. Ensuring checks and balances in vote counting can help maintain democracy's integrity.
