Elections are one form of political struggle. Voting is one form of political struggle. Lobbying is a form. Litigation can be a form. Direct action is a form.
Disruption can be a form.
Empowerment is a process that individuals go through, organizations go through, and communities go through. It is a developmental process. It changes people's lives. It helps them gain a mastery over their lives. Many of us who have been involved in political struggle know the feeling of exuberance when we engage our enemies and beat them back, when we successfully advance our people's interests.