This is permissible and this has nothing to do with democracy. Omer, may Allah be pleased with him before dying, he told the companions to choose one from among the seven companions left of the ten heaven-bound.

At our institute, we want to re-structure our MSA (Muslim Student Association) and have an Ameer/Vice-President/Treasurer etc. For this, can we conduct voting by few members of MSA? We know that voting in democracy is not allowed except under certain circumstances. Is it allowed in our case? If not please suggest how it should be done.