Yes, an oligarchy can include elements of a representative democracy. In fact, such a hybrid system can exist where a small group of individuals hold significant power while still allowing for some level of public representation.
An oligarchy is essentially a form of power structure where a small number of people, often from the same socioeconomic or political class, control the government and make decisions that affect the larger population. In contrast, a representative democracy is a system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
In practice, an oligarchy can coexist with democratic principles if the ruling elite permit elections and allow for some degree of political participation. For example, they might hold elections for local offices or create legislative bodies that include representatives from the broader population. However, in such systems, the true power often remains concentrated in the hands of the oligarchs, and the electoral processes might be heavily manipulated to ensure that the interests of the elite are prioritized over those of the general populace.
Thus, while there can be a facade of democracy within an oligarchic system, the fundamental characteristics of oligarchy—control by a small group—can overshadow democratic processes, potentially leading to a situation where the voices of the majority are marginalized.