To parties, candidates and voters in Parliamentary elections of 2024 (No:02)
A historic event to determine how we Mongolians will live in the future is approaching. Since it will affect everyone’s lives, it’s time for all of us to participate in the elections. Do not forget that if you don’t show up, someone else will make your choice for you!!!
Attempts to buy state authority!
For the second time in the history of democratic Mongolia, the parliamentary elections are to be held under a mixed system, after twelve years. In the 2024 elections, 78 MPs will be elected from electoral districts, while 48 MPs will be appointed by party lists. The list is to be announced to the public on Monday, May 20.
Therefore, over this weekend, large-scale political deals will likely unfold, involving historically large sums of money for Mongolia. Social media rumors speculate about deals where 2-6 billion tugriks (about 1.8 million USD) are “donated” to parties to secure a spot on their lists, for individuals or their families.
If this happens, the very purpose of increasing the number of MPs by 52, to ensure representation from all social class and parts of the population, will be in vain. Instead of doctors, teachers, engineers, and community leaders, only the wealthy will make it onto the party lists.
The main goal of MPs who bought their way in will be to multiply their wealth, become ministers, secure government tenders, and pass laws and regulations favorable to their businesses. They will not be concerned with citizens’ fundamental values such as freedom of speech, justice, or the opportunity to work hard and thrive.
The story of a system without a fair judiciary will go on, corruption will not decrease. No real improvements will be made in the quality of life and the MNT will keep devaluing with higher prices and more people leaving country.
If the leadership of political parties engage in such deals, Article 1.3.2 of the Constitution will be violated, which prohibits “illegally taking or attempting to seize state power.” Donations by companies and citizens are legally limited to a certain amount. Mongolia has a small population, and it will soon become clear who gave how much to secure their position. They will be almost immediately recognized.
I believe that someday, a fair judicial system will emerge to clarify the truth.
Stability from the get-go for the new government
From past elections, it was clear that when the leader of the winning party becomes Prime Minister, the government is formed quickly without delay, and state affairs continue smoothly. In advanced democracies, the party leader instantly becomes the Prime Minister. Therefore, it is necessary that all parties competing in the election declare that their leader will become Prime Minister. If possible, they should even announce who will be appointed as cabinet members and which ministries they will oversee, as this can also influence votes.
Additionally, it’s time for the public to call on the 29 parties and 2 coalitions to exclude anyone who has been involved in crime, especially corruption, from their lists and government posts. Otherwise, it will be another reason for an instable government.
The time is approaching to choose our politicians wisely.
With the hopes of not ending up in a State capture…