Many definitions of democracy are backward-looking—has the current leader been fairly elected?

But definitions of democracy ought to be forward looking—will the next election be free and fair, such that power can still rotate at the will of the people?

https://open.spotify.com/episode/47iNlA2M47do7zqTObBPBu?si=3nMiXCTaSlycPkVRxJTilw