Political systems must suit the country's national temperament and history, and continually evolve as technology and society changes. That's one area I think China did right, which is to continue to evolve her political system as her economy and society develops, contrasted to the US which the constitution is basically the same for hundreds of years.
Growing up in Singapore with a dominant party system, I believe that meritocracy is better than democracy. I still believe that meritocracy generally produces a better set of leaders, but now I'm more nuanced about it. Because I've seen how the ruling party have accepted feedback from the people and done better after they suffered some electoral setback.
I think that's a reason why despite all criticisms LKY had for democracy and having complete dominance of the parliament when he was in power, he still believes it has a role to play in Singapore's politics.
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What we have to prevent or mitigate is populism and the exuberance of democracy, but I think that goes for any ideology or political system. As the Chinese saying goes, 物极必反.
Just go for whatever that works, don't be blinded or restricted by any philosophy or ideology.