I find it amusing that a popularity contest (and one not really different from a high school one in any significant way) is used to decide who will take charge

I find it amusing that a popularity contest (and one not really different from a high school one in any significant way) is used to decide who will take charge of a country. I am also impressed to see otherwise intelligent people defending this scheme, and honestly believing it to be a great one or even claiming there is not better alternative.