Final answer:
Free and fair elections are the backbone of a democratic society, providing citizens with the power to influence government and ensuring leaders are accountable, thus fostering trust in political institutions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Having free and fair elections is crucial to a democratic society because it enables citizens to express their preferences through voting, which is a direct reflection of their opinions on how their society should be governed. It ensures that the leaders are accountable to the people, and this accountability fosters trust in the political system, thus encouraging greater political participation. Moreover, competitive elections provide citizens with options that resonate with their beliefs, allowing for a true representation of the people's will. Therefore, the correct answer is c) Citizens have greater trust in their institutions, reflecting the importance of electoral processes that are transparent, inclusive, and just. Failure to conduct free and fair elections can lead to a loss of trust in institutions and potentially foster a move towards authoritarianism, as citizens might feel that their voices and votes do not matter.