In systems where governors, regional presidents or mayors are directly elected, there is a risk that the incumbents abuse of their office to distort the electoral competition and the equality of opportunity of all candidates. It is counter-argued that regional and municipal councils may nonetheless serve as an effective check on the powers of directly elected governors or mayors. Another counter-argument is that non term-limited governors or mayors show accountability incentives, and also acquire experience, hence accrued competence. Finally, in small communities it may be difficult to find suitable alternative candidates.