How is it "observably true" that it "works differently in socialism"? Do you not still elect people to represent you in government? Do you not still vote on issues that matter in your community? Are you not still expected to participate in the process, in order for it to function? Do you not still use it to replace leaders that don't represent your views?
Nothing about democracy itself, fundamentally changes, just because you call it "socialist democracy" instead of "capitalist democracy".