People who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything

People who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything

The quote "People who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything" is often attributed to Joseph Stalin, the infamous Soviet dictator who ruled with an iron fist from the 1920s until his death in 1953. This quote perfectly encapsulates Stalin's approach to governance, which was characterized by manipulation, coercion, and outright fraud.

Stalin rose to power in the Soviet Union through a combination of political maneuvering, backstabbing, and ruthless tactics. Once in power, he consolidated his control by eliminating his rivals through purges, show trials, and executions. Stalin's regime was marked by a cult of personality, with propaganda portraying him as a benevolent leader who cared for the people. In reality, Stalin's rule was marked by repression, censorship, and terror.

One of the key tools that Stalin used to maintain his grip on power was the manipulation of elections. While the Soviet Union technically had elections, they were far from free and fair. Opposition parties were banned, dissent was crushed, and the results were often predetermined. Stalin and his cronies controlled the electoral process, ensuring that only candidates loyal to the regime were allowed to run. The actual counting of votes was often a formality, with the outcome already decided in advance.

Stalin famously said, "It's not the people who vote that count, it's the people who count the votes." This quote speaks to the idea that the true power in a dictatorship lies not with the people, but with those who control the electoral process. By manipulating the vote count, Stalin was able to maintain his grip on power and silence any opposition.