Certain theories propose an e-government stage model where, thanks to the information and communications technology (ict) development, governments will gradually achieve not only better and more efficient results, but also more inclusiveness, participation and openness. However, different empirical studies refute these forecasts. This article tries to explain why the e-government stage model theories do not work. It does it by using political theory, namely the theory of value pluralism, and a selection of case studies which bring empirical evidence to the proposal.