Accountability lies at the heart of a democratic system. In a democracy, power ultimately belongs to the people and the government acts as a representative of their will. The very idea of democracy is based on the principle that those who hold power must justify their actions and decisions to the citizens who elected them. This constant need for accountability ensures transparency, prevents misuse of power and strengthens the trust between the government and the governed.

People elect their representatives: In a democratic system, the people elect their representatives through free and fair elections. If these representatives fail to perform their duties or act against public interest, citizens can vote them out in the next election. This electoral accountability compels governments to perform efficiently and keep public welfare as a priority. For example, in India, governments often introduce social and economic reforms to address the concerns of the people because they know that ignoring public opinion can lead to electoral defeat.

Pillars of Democracy: Apart from elections, democracies ensure accountability through a system of checks and balances. Institutions like the legislature, judiciary and the media act as watchdogs over government actions. The legislature debates policies and budgets, the judiciary ensures that laws are just and constitutional and a free press exposes corruption, inefficiency or injustice. Public protests, civil society groups and independent agencies further strengthen this accountability.

Right to Information: For instance, when corruption scandals or misuse of funds are exposed in democratic countries, governments face public pressure to act. In India, movements such as the Right to Information (RTI) Act, Lokpal Act and anti-corruption campaigns have increased transparency and made officials more answerable to the people. This shows that democracy empowers citizens not just during elections but in everyday governance.

Moral accountability: Democracy also promotes moral accountability. Leaders in a democratic system are expected to uphold ethical values, protect rights and work for the common good. Public opinion, criticism and opposition keep them aware that their legitimacy depends on the people’s trust. In contrast, authoritarian regimes often lack such accountability, leading to corruption, oppression and poor governance.

Citizen participation: However, accountability in democracy is not automatic; it requires active citizen participation. If people remain indifferent or uninformed, governments may act irresponsibly. Therefore, awareness, education and civic engagement are essential for a healthy democracy.

In conclusion, democracy makes governments accountable through elections, institutions, laws and public participation. It transforms rulers into servants of the people rather than masters. This accountability ensures that power is exercised responsibly, rights are protected and governance remains transparent and responsive. Thus, the true strength of democracy lies in the continuous dialogue between citizens and their government, ensuring that the voice of the people always guides the destiny of the nation.