Essential Facts On Political Accountability

By Esther Salazar


Political accountability is a term referring to the liability of civil servants, the government and its politicians whether to the legislative body comprised of parliament and congress, or the public body. In leadership terms, political accountability involves the assumption and the acknowledgment of responsibilities for products, policies, actions and decisions. Such includes the governance, administration and implementation within the degree of position or role.

There are certain instances where a recall election will be called for to revoke the office of an elected official. This happens very rarely though since voters do not generally have the direct means to pass on to elected representatives the responsibility for the terms they got elected. Moreover, there are times when legislators and officials will not be elected but rather, appointed.

Statutes or constitutions are what can empower legislative bodies to hold to account government bodies, the government as well as their very own members. This may be done through holding independent or internal inquiries. Inquiries are often held as a response to allegations of corruption and misconduct.

The procedures, powers and sanctions following inquiries will usually differ between countries. Legislatures often have the power and the right to impeach anyone responsible or perhaps, even rule out a temporary suspension and remove then permanently from their offices. Accused individuals can opt to resign before they decide to go on a trial as well. In the US, an impeachment is commonly called for civil offices such as district court judges and faculty elected representatives.

In a parliamentary system, a government can rely on the parliament itself or to its subsequent supporters. They can help provide power to have the government held accountable for its actions. For instance, a parliament can call for the passing of votes stating that they do not have confidence in their own government anymore.

There have been studies conducted that found how complex it was in practice to have empowering citizens hold domestic governments to account. However, the development of clear processes that generated change within communities, groups and individuals, made understanding the complex dynamics of states and citizens much better. Fusing of tools for outcome mapping and political economy contributed to this advancement as well.

The performance of governments will usually be reflected on how countrymen hold their politicians responsible for their actions. Three factors are known to be the bases for the extent of political control public officials hold. First is the regular elections which promote a sense of disciplining politicians. The risk of getting booted out of office can compel any policy maker to properly carry out their obligations and respond to voter interests.

The knowledge of citizens is another factor to consider. This actually is just as necessary as the first basis. Public knowledge will help curb chances of politicians to consider corruption as well as improper management. Having citizens that are well-informed on laws and rights will lessen the likelihood of political personalities to engage in dirty work.

The third factor on which political accountability depends is the existence of well-informed electorates. This is very much beneficial in countries upholding the democratic setting. Righteous electorates will be able to see through the different levels of government performance and evaluate whether or not corruption was indeed engaged in.




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