What does a mandate mandate?

I read this article today

It suddenly led me to various questions regarding the electoral system.
For example Do u vote for reform or reformer? In reality you cast a vote for a person and this person then takes the power to incorporate reforms of his/her liking.
So it is absolutely essential that the public (who vote) are completely aware of the policies views and fashions of a certain contesting candidate. (at whatever level).
Not just that, it also means that it is necessary and absolutely essential that the winning candidate then goes on to implement his ideas and ideals expressed before the election.

Is that happening anywhere?