Nah you still have elections. The ruling party just kills off or jails anyone in the opposition who might win, and you're stuck voting between the dictator, a couple of Jill Stein-type fronts for the dictator, and a legit crazy person they let run for authenticity. The dictator wins by between 60 and 80%, a number decided over dinner with lackeys. It's all very expensive for taxpayers, and all the contracts are given to the dictator's friends and family. Source: used to live in Nicaragua.