The problem is just that: they use the terms for their own ends. For example, North Korea is officially named "Democratic People's Republic of Korea". I dunno

The problem is just that: they use the terms for their own ends. For example, North Korea is officially named "Democratic People's Republic of Korea". I dunno what sort of harsh totalitarian regime is democratic and the people's! Another example: the UK Labour party states it is a democratic socialist party. I don't think the premiership of Blair/Brown can be described as anything like that. I'm sure this is the case for many Labour parties across Europe (except for the UK, as of recent, that is...)