Just as parliament, as the repository of the public will, requires accountability from the executive branch, it is also accountable to society in general for its institutional actions and, thus, for the individual performance of each parliamentarian.

Accountability, both of parliament and its members, is a fundamental principle for strengthening public confidence in the legislative branch and legitimizing parliamentary action. When accountability is part of an institutional policy and is provided in a sustained and transparent manner, it is not only the expression of an open parliament, but also of a robust and mature democracy.

For more information, see the results of the work sessions organized during the 1st Meeting of the ParlAmericas Parliamentary Staff Network on Open Parliament, held in December 2019 in Panama City, Panama, with the participation of parliamentary staff from 11 Latin American countries.