IMHO, I think it's a dangerous step to assume that because of one's strict religious belief system he is incapable of understanding the premise of 'the most people, win.' If anything, perhaps they understand it best.
Being so intensive in their religion and beliefs, the idea of all people adhering to a strict code is inherent in their intellectual makeup, ie..
everyone must be this way..
everyone must follow these rules..
everyone must obey this god, for the good of
all. And those who fall outside these parameters, are outcast and punished for putting the rest of the people, the MAJORITY, at risk for moral corruption and punishment.
Of course it's not the same as our idea of democracy. How can it be, when our religions preach to do what is good for us, as individuals else we, as individuals, will be punished? Western religion puts the onus on the individual.. call it capitalist if you must (Ayn Rand would be so proud). And since so much of politics is rooted in these religions (listen to any serious address given by the current President) it's obvious that autonomy of the individual is what we associate as democracy and freedom, and it comes straight from our religions.
Just because it's our way.. doesn't mean it's their way.
What some other people have said about Democracy.