Even Cuba and North Korea hold elections.

Russia has elections, and while there was some evidence of voting irregularities in the last one, the main problem is the lack of exposure to competitor politicians.

The elections are rigged.

The Glorious Leader would probably still win his own election but his party would most certainly not. And after 2011 elections they've changed the Constitution to prolong their term and the President's term.

He also abolished governor elections for a long time when he did not have total control over the country.

Not to mention he egregiously appointed people from the Russian equivalent of Secret Service as Governors quite recently. Does not matter how unqualified you are for the job - personal loyalty is everything.

Imagine what would happen in the US if such wanton cronyism took place.