Absolute Power in Pseudo-Democracy: The Illusion of Democracy in Contemporary Politics

Abstract

The global rise of pseudo-democratic regimes reflects a paradox in contemporary politics, where democratic institutions are maintained in form but undermined in substance. This study aims to analyze how the concentration of power within pseudo-democratic systems constructs the illusion of democracy and shapes political legitimacy. The research employs a normative juridical approach with a qualitative design, utilizing secondary data from scholarly literature, legal documents, and comparative case studies across various political contexts. Data collection was conducted through a systematic literature review, while data analysis applied doctrinal and thematic approaches to identify patterns of institutional manipulation and legitimacy construction. The findings reveal that pseudo-democratic regimes rely on mechanisms such as electoral manipulation, legislative and judicial capture, media control, and patronage networks to consolidate power. These mechanisms weaken democratic principles, including the rule of law, accountability, and political equality, while maintaining a façade of democratic procedures. Furthermore, political legitimacy in such regimes shifts from participatory legitimacy toward performance-based and symbolic legitimacy. In conclusion, pseudo-democracy represents a hybrid governance model that combines democratic appearance with authoritarian substance, ultimately eroding the integrity of democratic systems while sustaining regime stability through constructed legitimacy.