This is the promises dilemma. Elections are commitment games. We vote for the candidates and parties whose values and policies are most appealing. But how can we be sure they’ll follow through? All we have is their word – their assurance they will act in a certain way under certain circumstances. This is the promises dilemma. Elections are commitment games. We vote for the candidates and parties whose values and policies are most appealing. But how can we be sure they’ll follow through? All we have is their word – their assurance they will act in a certain way under certain circumstances.