Why is equal opportunity necessary for candidates in elections?

Correct answer: So that competition remains fair and credible

The correct answer is A: equal opportunity helps electoral competition remain fair and credible. In a democracy, voters should be able to compare candidates and parties without one side receiving an unjust advantage through state machinery, intimidation, or unequal access to the legal campaign process. Equal opportunity does not mean that every candidate has identical popularity, money, or ideas; it means that the basic rules should apply fairly and candidates should have a genuine chance to present their views. B is wrong because democracy does not aim to benefit only the ruling party. C is wrong because fair competition supports, rather than prevents, voters' participation. D is wrong because fixing the result destroys the purpose of competition. Memory cue: equal rules produce trustworthy competition, not guaranteed equal results.