Tell that to Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. In late 1978, widespread demonstrations, strikes, and civil unrest broke out. Within a few months, the King of Kings fled Tehran and the unsophisticated took power. Those in control have control until they lose it. The point is simply that they can lose it, no matter how awesome their power at any point in time.
Incumbent politicians are savvy.
If the current political leadership acts politically savvy, many people assume its judgment of the socio-political situation is accurate. In 1988, Augusto Pinochet, right-wing President of Chile, allowed a promised referendum to be held to either endorse his rule or remove him. He was removed. Both men were considered very savvy politicians. Both had powerful national networks of supporters to inform them of the popular will.