Many nations call themselves democratic (for example, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea), but most scholars would refute the idea that they are democratic.

In other cases, nations hold elections to appear democratic, but the process itself is so corrupt, that again, few would call the country democratic.

Finally, some countries are seen as democratic, but may be missing elements that many would expect in a democracy. For example, some small countries may have valid elections, but because of global dependency cannot enact policies that support their own citizens.

I know of one trait that some denote as clear democracy: that an existing regime must peacefully relinquish power to their political opponents after an election. Interestingly, this means South Africa is currently not a democracy.

What other traits confirm a nation as being a democracy?

Many nations call themselves democratic (e.g. the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, aka North Korea), but most scholars would refute the idea that they are democratic.

In other cases, nations hold elections to appear democratic, but the process itself is so corrupt, that again, few would call the country democratic.

Finally, some countries are seen as democratic, but may be missing elements that many would expect in a democracy. For example, some small countries may have valid elections, but because of global dependency cannot enact policies that support their own citizens.

I know of one trait that some denote as clear democracy: that an existing regime must peacefully relinquish power to their political opponents after an election. Interestingly, this means South Africa is currently not a democracy.

What other traits confirm a nation as being a democracy?