Democracy exists in two formats: the exclusive format (the one you write about), and the inclusive format (the one you don't mention). I like the zest of your article, and I understand where you are coming from. Yet I do not like the sweeping conclusions because you do not know the full scope of what democracy is.

'The First Thing About Democracy'

(it is not what you think it is)

https://fred-rick.medium.com/the-first-thing-about-democracy-5f6e1f17c60f

This article has a map that shows you the democratic nations in the world. No, many of the nations that you think are democracies are not on the map because they do not fit the definition of representation, which is the essence of democracy.