The term 'political accountability' refers to the obligation of government officials and institutions to be answerable for their actions and decisions. It entails maintaining transparency and actively engaging with the public to ensure that policies meet their needs. Political accountability is essential for fostering public trust, encouraging civic participation, and safeguarding against abuses of power. Mechanisms such as elections, public inquiries, and media scrutiny play vital roles in ensuring accountability, as they hold leaders responsible for their performance and maintain the integrity of democratic governance.