The right and mechanisms of popular oversight of government performance within the framework of the international human rights system

Abstract

Popular oversight of government performance is a cornerstone of democracy and human rights, enabling citizens to hold officials accountable and ensure that policies are consistent with the interests of the people. This oversight is based on international legal frameworks including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Popular oversight mechanisms include free and fair elections, freedom of expression and the press, the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration, the role of civil society and non-governmental organizations, participation in decision-making, and complaints and grievance mechanisms. This oversight faces challenges such as political repression, lack of transparency, and corruption, but modern technology and social media provide opportunities to enhance it by disseminating information and organizing campaigns easily. Effective popular oversight contributes to enhancing transparency and accountability, which enhances stability and sustainable development in society. Individual responsibility is consistent with the nature of the parliamentary system, because this system grants the minister broad powers to manage the affairs of his ministry, and does not make the Council of Ministers a presidential authority above the minister. It is natural for the minister alone to bear the errors attributed to him personally or to his subordinate employees, in application of the rule of correlation between authority and responsibility. Popular oversight is based on international legal frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantee citizens' rights to participation and accountability. There are multiple mechanisms for popular oversight, including free and fair elections, freedom of expression and the press, the right to peaceful assembly, and the role of civil society, which provide citizens with multiple means to exercise oversight. Despite the importance of popular oversight, it faces major challenges such as political repression, lack of transparency, and corruption, which requires continuous efforts to enhance transparency and accountability.