In one sense, dictators are honest, they dictate.
In democratic countries, where democracy is measured by transparency, the political leaders are dishonest in that they dictate on issues where they see that such dictatorship will place them in a better light in the eyes of the voters, but purport to not be dictating.
In the case of the pandemic, politicians make decisions for their constituents ‘on medical advice, the advice of experts ‘
Which democratic leader shows their constituents such advice for the public to fathom, for if a politician can understand such advice, anyone can. In not showing it, they are dictating.
Why do political leaders not explain why they have interpreted the expert advice differently to other political leaders. To do so would allow the public to realise that decisions for their constituents are largely based on political expediency, not the expert advice.
Transparency is the key to democracy because it allows constituents to form a view that their political leader is acting in their best interests. To not be transparent causes people to either not trust their politicians or to feel bullied and suppressed by them.
If only a political leader would appear who understood. In the absence of that the role of government will diminish.
From my guide Crazy Horse through Ian Rogers Director Sphinx Spiritual