The phrase "a semblance of democracy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or system that appears to have democratic qualities but may lack true democratic principles or practices.
Example: "The country held elections, but many observers noted that there was only a semblance of democracy in the way the process was conducted."
Alternatives: "an illusion of democracy" or "a facade of democracy".
A semblance of democracy was restored to Myanmar in 2011.
There is not even a semblance of democracy in this situation, yet the junta fears her.
Frankly, I don't see any way to restore even a semblance of democracy until the Citizens United decision is overturned.
A glance at the morning paper confirms that a semblance of democracy is no guarantee of a just society.
The theocratic system was carefully designed to balance Islamic rule with a semblance of democracy, of which the Assembly of Experts is a vital part.
Although the elections helped restore a semblance of democracy to Nigeria, Maier's discussion reads not like the portrait of another crisis point but like drab pages from a reporter's diary.
Such an outcome would end any semblance of democracy in Africa's most populous nation.Dig deeper: Why a former dictator is a better choice than a failed president (Feb 2015) How a discredited former party faces its greatest test yet (Feb 2015) Why Nigeria has not yet defeated Boko Haram (Nov 2014).
From the little information that is filtering through, it looks as though the Sri Lankan government is using the propaganda of "the war on terror" as a fig leaf to dismantle any semblance of democracy in the country, and commit unspeakable crimes against the Tamil people.
Despite a rigid, state-imposed conservatism that shuns any semblance of democracy, the aged leading princes, and the unsavoury antics of lesser princes lording it over them, Saudi Arabia's 25m inhabitants have rarely protested loudly.
As Emperor, however, Palpatine abandons any semblance of democracy, as noted in A New Hope, when he abolishes the Imperial Senate.
