Vertical Accountability category examines the relationship between the executive branch and citizens, and the extent to which the population can hold the government accountable. Various indicators monitor the following criteria and associated questions:
(1) Quality of elections: To what extent are political competition and elections free and fair?
(2) Quality of candidates and political parties: To what extent do political parties articulate all key societal interests and maintain their ability to facilitate cross-party collaboration in policy formulation and implementation?
(3) Access to official information: To what extent do citizens have access to official information?