Interpellation (politics)

Interpellation is a formal parliamentary procedure through which members of parliament request that the government explain, clarify, or justify its policies, actions, or decisions. Typically presented in written or oral form, this process mandates that the government respond within a specified timeframe and may lead to subsequent debates or even votes of no confidence. The primary objectives of interpellation are to ensure governmental accountability—upholding the principles of responsible government—as well as to monitor the exercise of executive power and safeguard against its abuse while promoting transparency and public participation in policy deliberations.^[1][2]

Interpellation in parliamentary politics can be traced back to Latin and French. The term comes from the Latin verb interpellāre, meaning “to interrupt by speaking” or “to call out.” The word was subsequently absorbed into medieval French as “interpellation,” retaining the meaning of “to call out” or “to interrupt.” Over time, the term came to be used to describe the formal mechanism by which legislators in parliament question or challenge government ministers on their policies or actions. In English, the concept of “interpellation” in this political sense emerged in the early to mid-19th century, influenced by French constitutional practice, and became established in parliamentary politics as a tool for ensuring government accountability and transparency.^[3][4]