Yes, you're right that they're officially a democracy. Government control of the media ensures that the same party will remain in power. I think Japan and Taiwan had the same party in power for decades, too. Maybe they only work because of East Asian collectivist/Confucian instincts, but one-party states do seem to work well in that part of the world. Actually having elections, even unlosable ones, probably ensures the government roughly tacks towards the wishes of the populace.

(Moldbug argued that America is transitioning into a one party state, since most government workers and "respectable" media outlets are allied with the Democrats).