1. The study, published in the Lancet recently, revealed that people living in democratic countries live longer than those who don't; they also have less of a chance of dying from heart disease, strokes, and even road accidents.
2. Incredible as it may sound, we are now told that democracy is not just good for the soul, it is good for the body too.
3. Without pressure from voters or foreign-aid agencies, dictators have less incentive to finance more expensive prevention and treatment of heart disease, cancers, and other chronic illnesses.
4. The study suggests that elections and the health of the people are increasingly inseparable.
5. A study spanning 170 countries found a strong correlation between health and the most form of government.