Political accountability refers to the responsibility of government officials and institutions to act in the best interest of the public. It ensures that leaders are answerable for their actions and decisions, allowing citizens to hold them accountable through various mechanisms, such as elections, audits, and public inquiries. This process helps maintain transparency and trust in the political system. Effective political accountability promotes good governance by encouraging officials to be responsive to the needs of the community. It can involve checks and balances among different branches of government, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, ensuring that power is not abused and that public resources are used wisely.