The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
In democratic theory, the mere holding of regular elections is insufficient to classify a political system as a true democracy. A functional democracy requires "free and fair electoral competition," where the incumbent party has a realistic chance of losing. The political system of Mexico under the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) is often cited as a case of a dominant-party system that maintained power through non-democratic means despite holding regular elections.
Statement 1 is Incorrect:
Mexico was not under military rule for a significant portion of the 20th century. Unlike many other Latin American nations that experienced military dictatorships, Mexico maintained a civilian government. However, this civilian rule was characterized by authoritarianism and the hegemony of a single political party.
Statement 2 is Correct:
The Mexican Constitution mandates regular presidential elections. Since 1930, elections have been held every six years to elect the President. This adherence to the electoral schedule gave the system a veneer of democratic legitimacy.
Statement 3 is Correct:
Until the year 2000, every presidential election was won by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). While opposition parties existed and contested elections, they never managed to win due to the PRI's systematic manipulation. The ruling party employed tactics such as forcing government employees to attend party meetings, controlling the media, manipulating polling booths, and utilizing government machinery for campaigning. This dominance ended with the opposition's victory in the 2000 elections.
Key Takeaway:
Holding elections at regular intervals does not guarantee democracy. A genuine democracy must offer a level playing field where the ruling party can be voted out of power through free and fair competition.