Yes, that's what we Westerners take for granted. And in these terms, it could not be wrong. And what about a non-Western culture like China? Is it the same there? You will get the answer when you compare the foundations of both.

All governments need to have a mandate given to them by their own people. I mean, if they don't have that how can they have any legitimacy? If a government just keeps electing itself, how is that good for anyone?