Speaking in rather broad strokes here without getting into the nitty-gritty of course.
Theoretically they all work - lots of empires throughout history with various levels of success that demonstrate it, as well as examples where my point of those in charge being a cornerstone to the whole affair can lead it to rather rapid destruction. A modern example being near 30trillion in debt and unwanted wars, despite electing people for over a decade that campaigned on ending those wars.
And while there may be geopolitical motivations for why such things can change when a person reaches office without simply hand waving "empty promises to garner votes", keeping the citizens in the dark over such would be no different then convincing musks democracy voters to go to war via government/interests propoganda