A government is legitimate if it

A government is legitimate if it has the mandate of the people to rule. This means that the government is elected through a free and fair electoral process, where the citizens are given the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidates. When a government is elected in this manner, it has the mandate of the people to govern and make decisions on their behalf. The legitimacy of a government is based on the consent of the governed and the adherence to the rule of law. A legitimate government is therefore recognized by its citizens and other states as being the rightful authority to govern the country.