i think it would be neat to be ruled over by a council of benevolent scientists, or perhaps a philosopher king. democracy just seems like a bad idea and it hasn't been working very well. if it's a popularity contest then we just get charismatic populists and demagogues.
the only way i think democracy would work is if we give animals the right to vote. I think with some technology we could figure out how to teach dogs and horses and dolphins to vote, that would be a good start. then maybe have like a council of tree experts and plant enthusiasts to represent the interests of plants in all votes.
In fairness, a fundamental part of western democracy is the close marrying of politicians, rich people and media outlets from which most the population gets all their facts. A fact that Lenin himself sadly remarked on over a century ago.