Accountability is a fundamental process in democratic regimes that allows for the sanctioning of public officials in cases of duty neglect. According to political scientist Guillermo O'Donnell, it can be classified as horizontal and vertical. This practice is considered of public value globally, being essential for the proper functioning of state organizations.
Andreas Schedler, a researcher at CIDE, emphasizes its importance as a strategy for controlling the exercise of power, opening the door to public inspection, explanation of decisions, and the imposition of sanctions when necessary. David Colmenares, Superior Auditor of the Federation (ASF), emphasizes the relevance of citizen participation in this process, especially in an information and knowledge society.
In this context, two basic dimensions of accountability are distinguished: answerability, which refers to the obligation to inform and justify decisions, and enforcement, which involves the imposition of sanctions when appropriate. The knowledge society has brought with it a new relationship between society and government, transforming power structures and strengthening democratic institutions.
It is essential that institutions responsible for accountability act effectively at both levels: horizontal and vertical. The former involves review and supervision by state agencies, while the latter establishes a monitoring and support relationship from society towards governmental institutions. To strengthen the system, it is necessary to establish strong legal instruments and to create technically qualified institutions to carry out effective oversight.
