> Elites for the most part did not democratize on their own terms and stand to lose from open electoral politics
On a slightly related note, I'm under the impression there are many countries with disillusioned youth, combined with relatively entrenched incompetence/corruption in their respective governments. Are there any recent examples of countries that reformed their government without requiring a violent upheaval? (Tunisia looks like a floundering example?). Vested interests prefer to remain vested, so I'm looking for examples where "discussion and debates" have secured long term reforms against established stakeholders.