Philosophy
Procedural vs. Substantive Conceptions of Electoral Legitimacy
Quick fact
Political theorists distinguish between procedural legitimacy—which focuses on the fairness of the electoral process itself—and substantive legitimacy—which demands that election outcomes respect deeper principles like individual rights or the popular will; these two can pull in opposite directions, as when a free vote elects a leader who dismantles democratic institutions.
Why this is interesting
When can we call an election legitimate? Is it enough that the voting was fair, or must the result also be right?