Elections formed as the result of the centuries of human development and struggle. In Ancient Greece, India, and Rome, disputes were settled by various forms of elections. The first modern, representative democratic elections were held in England in 1695. The election was contested by The Wings and The Tories formed in the 1670s, two political parties with a common goal of seizing power.
Only hundred years ago mankind began to introduce universal suffrage, regardless of property, sex, or gender. In the past, only wealthy, and tax-paying people had the right to vote and be elected. In British history, ‘rotten boroughs’ constituencies were forming even with almost no voters. The ‘Old Sarum’ borough is the most famous example in history with only seven voters and two members.
Citizens in many countries have fought tirelessly to overcome the enormous challenges of gaining universal suffrage. The Mongolians as well have obtained this right as a result of centuries of struggle by their ancestors. According to T. Jefferson, we must be vigilant (Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty) in order to preserve and protect the noble values of rights and freedoms.
Warnings
Attempts to buy votes: Authorities used to distribute gifts to constituency residents (especially to the elderly) before an upcoming election. It has become a common phenomenon that the opposition would operate the same way-giving away bowls, buckets and even flour and rice. There was even an exhibition called ‘Politicians’ Gifts’. Voters should not forget that in addition to hand gifts, there has been an audacious act of handing out cash. However, there is no such thing as a free lunch.
False information: In the past, traditional outlets such as public and private television, radio, and newspapers were the main sources of information for the public. Today, however, social media is evolving, and every individual has become an information source of their own. Information flow is now of multiple directions, instead of relying on traditional news agencies. Information is a vital tool for both, development and democracy. However, the powerful tool of social media has been weaponized by enemies of democracy spreading false information during elections. Read more about this topic in this article.
Voter turnout: Today mankind is facing the plague of COVID-19. Due to the ban on public gatherings, parties and candidates have no choice but to resort to media, especially social media, in their election campaigns. Voter turnout has been declining. Just three months ago, a French municipality had a record low voter turnout of only 45.5 percent during its first round of local elections. Low voter turnout in parliamentary elections negatively affects the government’s acceptability. If we look at the turnout in previous parliamentary elections in Mongolia, the participation of young people aged 18-25 was the lowest. It is noteworthy, that one-third of Mongolia’s voters are under the age of 30, with only half of these participating in the voting. However, almost all people over the age of 50 participated in the election, which means that elders make decisions on behalf of the youth. Therefore, it is not surprising that when the needs and requirements of the younger and older generations differ, the government would prefer to adopt welfare policy over pro-employment policy. In this context, it makes sense that the loans of the elderly, not the young, have been canceled. The young people should understand: If you do not vote, they will decide over your head and you will be left behind at the shore, seeing the boat float away.
Fig. 1 Attendance of 2016 parliamentary elections, by age group, thousand people.
Elections are Responsibility
The right to vote represents a significant constitutional right. However, with right and freedom always comes duty and responsibility. Freedom and responsibility are two sides of the same coin. Hence, 27 countries around the world have laws on compulsory voting. And some of them are now enforced. The failure to exercise your right to vote can result in fines and penalties. For instance, an Australian who fails to vote is fined $20 the first time and $50 the next time. If the fine is not paid repeatedly, the driver’s license will be revoked. If you participate in an election and you think there is no one to vote for, you have the opportunity to express your discontent on the ballot. In Mongolia, it is called “white choice”. Here, however, it is not mandatory to participate in elections, to vote, and no one can hold you accountable for not voting. But people do not understand the real cost of not voting. The most unethical and uneducated people will run the country for another four years and will make decisions that affect your life and income. You are forced to tax your income; therefore, you give them the opportunity to buy the most expensive car with that money.
How to Elect?
The party is the main criterion, as at the end only political parties gain and exercise the power. When choosing candidates, it is crucial to remember that “the election is not a contest to find the most handsome, beautiful, the “coolest”, the most powerful miss and mister”. Appearance and substance do not always coincide. Parliamentary elections elect only the legislator to represent the people. Before choosing, ask candidates at least the following three questions:
- Can you report your campaign finances in a transparent and fair manner (exactly where and when can I see them)? Will you demand transparent and fair reporting of your party finances?
- After you are elected as a parliament member, can you guarantee that your relatives will not be appointed as public servants and that your affiliated company will not devastate the SME fund?
- What exactly can you do to reduce poverty and social inequality?
Do not ask your constituency about what they are going to build in your municipal during this election. Because the law equally applies to all constituencies, not just to yours. It is the government, not the parliament member, who decides what to build in your constituency. Parliament member’s chances of becoming a minister in the government have been reduced fivefold by a Constitutional amendment, and even if they become a minister, they will not be able to implement their own constituency project.
Citizens and youth alike, let us all participate in the election!
2020.05.28
Trans. by Riya.T and Sungerel.U