Mandát

Mandát is a formal authorization or authority granted to an individual or body to act on behalf of others. In political and public administration contexts, it denotes the legitimacy given by voters or a constitutional framework to representatives to govern, make decisions, or carry out specific duties. The term derives from Latin mandatum, meaning something entrusted or commanded.

In parliamentary systems, a mandate typically corresponds to a fixed term of office, though the exact rules vary by country. A member of parliament or a government official holds a mandate as long as their office is valid, subject to elections, resignations, or removal. The mandate creates accountability to constituents and to the constitutional order, while political parties often influence how representatives exercise their authority through internal rules and discipline.

Types and uses: Mandate of office refers to holding a position in a legislature or executive. An electoral mandate is the authority granted by voters through elections to represent them and decide on public matters. In international law and practice, a mandate can also mean a temporary administrative responsibility over a territory or mission entrusted to another state or organization, such as past mandates under international organizations or contemporary peacekeeping and governance initiatives.

Termination and revocation: Mandates end with term expiry, dissolution of the legislature, resignation, or removal for misconduct. In some systems, a vote of no confidence, recall elections, or other constitutional mechanisms can revoke or suspend a mandate before its formal end.

In Czech and Slovak usage, mandát often refers to a seat in parliament or the office itself, emphasizing the link between the officeholder and the electorate.