How is "accountability" defined in the context of democratic governance?

In the context of democratic governance, accountability is fundamentally about the relationship between elected officials and the public they serve. It refers specifically to the obligation of elected representatives to answer for their actions and decisions to the citizens who elected them. This dynamic is essential in a democracy as it ensures that officials remain responsive to the needs and concerns of their constituents, allowing the public to hold them accountable for their performance in office.

This concept also reinforces the principle of representation, giving citizens a mechanism to influence governance through feedback, criticism, and ultimately, their voting choices during elections. When officials are accountable, they are more likely to act in the best interests of the public rather than in their own interests, thereby strengthening the legitimacy and integrity of the democratic system.

While options related to the right to vote and transparency are important attributes of democracy, they don't capture the essence of accountability as it pertains to elected officials' responsibility to justify their actions to the electorate.