[TeMPOraL]

Here's my real unpopular opinion: the actual value of democracy is bloodless transition of power. Everything else is window dressing.

[pigpop]

That's not a unique attribute of democracy nor is it guaranteed. Any system of government that hasn't succumbed to corruption and factionalism will have clear rules of succession. Even an absolute monarchy can go on for many generations without bloodshed.

[lotsofpulp]

Succession in monarchies is not a transition of power comparable to a democratic vote changing leaders every few years.

[TeMPOraL]

The point is that frequent transitions seem to incentivise rhetorical instead of literal backstabbing.