Which of the following demonstrates a lack of genuine popular consultation?

The situation where individuals are limited to voting for a single party exemplifies a lack of genuine popular consultation because it restricts the electorate’s freedom of choice. In a democratic system, effective and meaningful popular consultation is characterized by the ability of citizens to explore various options and express diverse opinions through their votes. When individuals can only vote for one party, this confines their political expression and severely limits the options available, undermining the foundational democratic principle of representation.

In contrast, the ability to vote for multiple candidates or for candidates outside the ruling party fosters a pluralistic political environment, where various viewpoints can be expressed and grappled with in the public sphere. Additionally, regular government polling for public opinion suggests an engagement with the preferences and sentiments of the populace, illustrating a responsive interaction between the government and its citizens. Thus, the restriction to a single party vote indicates a significant barrier to authentic democratic participation and consultation.