Machiavelli on Promises: “The promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is a necessity of the present.” What does this quote mean a leader might do to get elected?

This remark implies that whether a politician keeps or breaks a pledge depends on the circumstances, and that either option might be employed depending on the occasion.

However, Machiavelli's pledge remark is addressed at rulers who make pledges in certain moments throughout their lives, therefore its application is specific to the context.

link

This quote means that keeping or failing a promise depends on the situation and either could be used by a politician as per the requirement.

Explanation:

This quote has been in reference to the promises made by rulers of city-states in varying situations with either the intention of completing the promise or to fall off his words. This quote convinces people that because of the reality of an unchangeable circumstance the promises made to them could not be fulfilled. However, Machiavelli's quote on a promise is not directed to common people but rulers who make promises in very situations across their lifetime, and therefore its relevance is unique to the situation.

depends on what they need