Representative democracy thrives on the combination of educated electorates, the formation of political parties, and free and fair elections.
First, educated electorates are essential because they have the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to make informed decisions when choosing their representatives. This helps ensure that the people who are elected are capable and qualified to effectively represent the interests of their constituents.
Second, the formation of political parties allows individuals with similar beliefs and values to come together and present a united front. This makes it easier for voters to understand and compare the different options available to them, and ensures that the candidates who are elected are aligned with the beliefs and values of the majority of their constituents.
Finally, free and fair elections are essential because they ensure that every citizen has an equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process and have their voices heard. This helps ensure that the elected officials are truly representative of the people they serve and that the government is accountable to its citizens.
While equal gender representation is an important aspect of representative democracy, it is not necessarily essential for it to thrive. However, it is important to strive for gender equality in all aspects of society, including in the political arena.