What happens when governments are no longer held accountable? That question, in my view, cuts straight to the heart of nearly every crisis we see around the world today—whether it’s corruption, social injustice, or growing inequality. And while some may see accountability as just a technical concept or a legal matter, I believe it’s something far more fundamental: it’s about trust, responsibility, and the kind of future we want to build.
I’ve often thought about what it truly means to live under a government that is answerable to its people. It’s easy to take the idea for granted especially in countries that hold regular elections or where democratic institutions still exist on paper. But real accountability isn’t about just holding an election every few years. It’s about what happens in between those elections. It’s about whether public officials serve the people or simply serve themselves.
The cost of no accountability
When those in power are not questioned, challenged, or monitored, they begin to drift away from the interests of the public. In many places, this has led to blatant corruption. Public money meant for essential services like education, healthcare, or clean water vanishes into private bank accounts. Mega-projects are announced with fanfare, only to be left half-finished while communities continue to suffer.
I’ve personally seen this: roads that are “renovated” every election cycle but never actually improved, schools that lack basic supplies while the education budget is reported as fully spent, and public offices that operate more like private clubs. These things don't just happen by accident. They happen when no one is held responsible.
It’s not just about money—it’s about life. When governments ignore accountability, it’s often the most vulnerable who pay the highest price. Poor governance during natural disasters, pandemics, or economic downturns leaves millions without support. And when people protest or speak out, they are often met with violence, censorship, or imprisonment.
The slow death of democracy
One of the most dangerous outcomes of a government without accountability is the slow erosion of democracy. When politicians are not held to the promises they make, and when institutions like the courts or the press are silenced or co-opted, citizens begin to feel powerless. And when people lose faith in the system, democracy weakens from the inside.
Democracy is not a self-sustaining machine. It requires constant maintenance and accountability is the oil that keeps its gears running smoothly. Without it, we don’t just risk mismanagement. We risk authoritarianism.
Why we must care
Some may say, “Well, what can one person do?” Honestly, I’ve asked myself the same thing. In the face of systemic corruption or abuse, individual actions can feel small. But I believe change begins when people start asking questions. When we demand transparency, when we support investigative journalism, when we vote wisely and stay informed, we contribute to a culture of accountability.
We also need to remember that governments work for us. That means they should fear betraying the public trust, not the other way around.
Accountability isn’t just about punishing bad behavior, it’s also about encouraging good governance. When leaders know they are being watched and evaluated, they are more likely to act in the public’s best interest. They become more transparent, more honest, and more focused on long-term progress rather than short-term gain.
A vision for the future
Imagine a society where government budgets are published in full and explained clearly. A society where journalists are protected, public meetings are open and well-attended, and whistleblowers are praised. That’s what accountability looks like. Of course, no government will ever be perfect. Mistakes will happen. But the difference between a responsible government and a reckless one lies in whether it owns up to those mistakes or buries them. Accountability is what makes the difference between a system that learns and improves, and one that decays in silence.
To some, this might all sound idealistic, but I don’t think so. Demanding accountability is simply part of being an engaged, responsible citizen. If we don’t speak up, if we don’t question those in power, we end up becoming complicit in our own decline. Governments without accountability don’t just fail, they fail us. And that’s why it matters. Because when leaders stop answering to the people, the people end up paying the price. It’s time we stop accepting silence and start demanding answers.
Amisha Baniya
Kathmandu School of Law
