We have seen why democracies need to have elections. But why do rulers in non-democratic countries need to hold elections?

Rulers in non-democratic countries need to hold elections because they want to show the world that they are not unpopular, and they have the support of the people of the country which will improve their image in the eyes of the world.

Secondly, they want to show that their government and position have been achieved legally and according to the constitutional provisions.