Are democracies based on rule of law?

That is one of the essential definitions of democarcy that they be ruled by law. ---- Absolutely not! A democracy is characterized by majority rule. The "law" is whatever the majority says it is, and it can change like the weather. The "rule of law" is one of the measures taken to prevent tyranny by the majority. The "rule of law" protects the rights of individuals from the whims of the majority.