Why is Apartheid against principles of democracy?

Apartheid is fundamentally against the principles of democracy because it institutionalizes racial discrimination and denies equal rights to a significant portion of the population based solely on their race or ethnicity. Democracy is built on the ideals of equality, freedom, and participation, ensuring that all citizens have a voice in governance and access to the same rights and opportunities. By segregating and oppressing groups, apartheid undermines the core democratic tenet that every individual deserves representation and respect, thereby creating a system of exclusion rather than inclusion.