From Regime to State in Southeast Asia: Are Formal Elections Enough for Democracy in Contexts of Weak State Capacity?

Abstract

This study looks at whether holding formal elections is enough to create real democracy in Southeast Asia, especially when the government is not very strong. Based on David Collier and Steven Levitsky’s idea of “democracy with adjectives,” this argues that while elections are the basic requirement for democracy, they alone are not enough to guarantee responsible and effective government. Where government, financial, and enforcement systems are weak and unable to effectively carry out laws, hold people accountable, and provide services, electoral competition might lead to clientelism, control by elites, or authoritarian influence instead. The study uses qualitative document analysis to compare Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Myanmar. The results show that there is a relationship between the type of government and how well the state can perform its functions, but it depends on certain conditions. In Indonesia and the Philippines, regular elections happen alongside weak government systems and established elite groups, resulting in low-quality or loose democratic practices. In contrast, Thailand and Myanmar have strong state power focused on coercive institutions. This enables military or authoritarian groups to influence, limit, or change election results. In these cases, weak or uneven state power hurts the rule of law, accountability, and the strengthening of democracy. The study finds that elections are important, but they alone do not create a democracy. Real democratization needs strong, independent, and responsible government institutions that can turn election results into effective and legal governance.