How can the Prime Minister be held accountable to the public?

The Prime Minister can be held accountable to the public primarily through elections and referenda. Elections are a fundamental aspect of a democratic system, allowing citizens to choose their representatives and, consequently, their Prime Minister. The public's ability to vote in general elections ensures that the Prime Minister must respond to the needs and opinions of the electorate. If they fail to meet public expectations or if their policies are unpopular, the public has the power to vote them out of office in subsequent elections.

Referenda, on the other hand, provide a direct way for the public to express their views on specific issues or policies the government proposes. This mechanism allows for direct accountability beyond the conventional election cycle, empowering citizens to have a say in significant decisions that affect their lives. Together, these processes ensure that the Prime Minister remains responsive and accountable to the electorate, reinforcing democratic governance.

While parliamentary debates and party committee reviews play roles in the accountability structure, they are more about accountability within the political sphere rather than direct accountability to the public as a whole. Regular appointments and dismissals do not capture the democratic involvement of the electorate in the same way that elections and referenda do.