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Voice and Accountability

When do citizens’ voices and demands result in improved state responsiveness, transparency and accountability? First, when the citizenry is active in shaping policy priorities and demanding greater openness and responsiveness from the state. Second, if state institutions view their responsibilities to citizens as central. In reality, however, the state in many developing countries is not sufficiently accountable to its citizens, whose voices often remain unheard or are simply too weak to have any influence. 

 

Voice and Accountability is defined differently by different organizations. Some focus on formal and informal institutional norms that enable policymakers and citizens to exchange views and for citizens to hold their leaders accountable to good economic and social outcomes while promoting stability.  Others prioritize democratic institutions.

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