What is the primary factor in the election of officials in the story?

In the context of "Gulliver's Travels," particularly in the section focused on the political structure of the various societies Gulliver encounters, the primary factor in the election of officials is often portrayed as their physical ability rather than their actual qualifications or merit. This reflects Jonathan Swift's satirical commentary on the political systems of his time, highlighting how superficial qualities and physical attributes can take precedence over more substantive qualities such as experience, competence, or the ability to govern effectively.

In Lilliput, for instance, officials are chosen based on their prowess in physical contests or abilities, illustrating the absurdity of political practices where the selection criteria are not aligned with the responsibilities of leadership. This serves as a critique of the notion that the most capable individuals are often not the ones chosen for leadership roles in society, drawing attention to the bizarre and sometimes trivial nature of political systems.