Correct answer: A. Freedom and fairness of elections
Explanation: The direct answer is A: freedom and fairness of elections are affected. Holding an election is not enough; opposition candidates and parties must be able to compete freely and safely. The fact chain is: the government jails opposition leaders before voting, voters lose important alternatives, criticism and competition are weakened, and the result may no longer express a free public choice. Option A is correct because freedom means absence of intimidation and unfair obstruction, while fairness requires a genuine contest among lawful competitors. Option B is wrong because the situation does not mention changing the legal voting age. Option C is less correct because vote secrecy concerns whether others can know an individual’s vote; although fear could sometimes threaten secrecy, the clearest and direct problem here is the removal of opposition and competition. Option D is wrong because the number of election symbols does not determine whether the contest is free and fair. A controlled election can exist without being democratic. Memory cue: before judging an election, check whether opposition can campaign, compete and remain free.