Holding government accountable

Calling political majority to account
Holding administrations accountable
Increasing official accountability
Stimulating official accountability
Requiring official accountability
Increasing accountability of government

Context

It is increasingly recognized that governments working in isolation from the rest of society cannot solve the major problems of our time. This implies a need for a new, more participatory kind of democracy: both to encourage greater involvement of the public in bringing about the necessary changes, and to increase the transparency and accountability of the institutions of government and industry. Access to information, participation in decision-making and the right to challenge decisions through the courts are integral elements in that process.

Claim

Governments are representative of their people and must also be accountable to them. Political processes must be inclusive, participatory and transparent. Representations or commitments made must be observed and implemented with integrity. People must have the opportunity to voice their opinions when government policies are being formulated. Governments in turn have the responsibility of listening to and implementing the aspirations and defending the concerns of their electorate, those who have delegated power to them. There must be a dialogue, the open disclosure of interests by each party and a discussion of options so that each is aware of the perception and opinions of the other and both can then work cooperatively towards shared goals.