Editing Direct election (section)

== Advantages and disadvantages of directly electing the head of state ==
A common political debate, particularly as countries consider governmental reforms, is whether or not direct elections of heads of state strengthen democratic practices among citizens. Selection mechanisms for heads of state can lead to varying outcomes in terms of voter interest, turnout, and overall engagement.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Tavits |first=Margit |date=2009 |title=Direct Presidential Elections and Turnout in Parliamentary Contests |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/27759844 |journal=Political Research Quarterly |volume=62 |issue=1 |pages=42–54 |doi=10.1177/1065912908317026 |jstor=27759844 |s2cid=153942262 |issn=1065-9129|url-access=subscription }}</ref> For example, some scholars argue that direct elections will mobilize voters and increase their trust in the political process, particularly in emerging democracies.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lindberg |first=Staffan I. |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/213305486 |title=Democracy and elections in Africa |date=2006 |publisher=Johns Hopkins University Press |isbn=978-0-8018-8925-7 |location=Baltimore |oclc=213305486}}</ref> Others note that frequent direct elections may decrease turnout due to voter fatigue and apathy.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Norris |first=Pippa |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/electoral-engineering/29A26685EB4B654D1B85E57679EFA3FB |title=Electoral Engineering: Voting Rules and Political Behavior |date=2004 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-82977-9 |location=Cambridge |doi=10.1017/cbo9780511790980}}</ref>