small-circle election
n.— «The media reports on an “election campaign” when only 800 individuals are allowed to vote, or refers to Tsang, Beijing’s choice, as a “candidate” when the possibility of his failing is a non-starter. The euphemism, “small-circle election” is also repeatedly employed to refer to what in reality is a thoroughly undemocratic process.» —“Hong Kong Chief Faces Crisis of Legitimacy” by David Kootnikoff in Hong Kong OhmyNews June 20, 2005. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
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