The concept of liberal democracy emphasizes individual rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law, while illiberal democracy may maintain an electoral process without fully honoring these principles. In illiberal democracies, there is often a undermining of checks and balances, restricted freedoms, and a lack of accountability. This divergence can lead to the erosion of democratic institutions, as the government prioritizes its power over the rights and freedoms of its citizens, contradicting the essence of true democratic governance.