President Ts.Elbegdorj sent a note with his suggestions for the draft election law to Parliament on Tuesday.

In the note he writes that the people of Mongolia want a fair parliamentary election in 2012, and that the political parties holding seats in Parliament must give much consideration to the election and make efforts to improve the electoral process and prevent fraud.

With a view toward Parliament’s discussion of the draft election law, the president made the following suggestions:

Firstly, MPs should consider their responsibility for guaranteeing mandates that are lawful, because responsible MPs will guarantee a responsible Parliament. The MPs’ authority should be thoroughly regulated by legislation, morals, and politics because a merged election structure will be conducted for the first time.

Secondly, the Election General Committee should monitor the nomination and registration of candidates according to relevant laws and regulations. Overseeing the nomination of candidates is the state’s responsibility because those candidates will lead the state.

Thirdly, the enforcement of the election law is critical, regardless of the election structure; nonetheless the election structure is a significant issue. That is why all steps of the election process, the rights and responsibilities of election officials, and ballot counting must be conducted without confusion and carelessness, and must exclude illegal and irresponsible acts.

Fourthly, the draft election law should provide voting rights to Mongolians living abroad. Also it should regulate the migration of citizens and focus on the voting rights of migrated citizens.

Fifthly, nominated candidates should be permitted time off from their jobs or official positions beginning three months before the election date but not more than six months before the election date.

Sixthly, a provision of the draft election law instructs that, excepting Mongolian National Public Radio and Television, paid election advertisements could be broadcast on other radio and television stations for up to one hour each day. This provision limits the broadcasting time of candidates and violates election principles. That is why this provision should allow candidates to advertise through broadcast media and the press.

Seventhly, a provision of the draft election law instructs that election officials, candidates, and members of the press who violate the law should be fined.

Candidates who are nominated to high official posts should take responsibility for paying fines themselves. But members of the press should be regulated by the law on press freedom, and members of the press should not be fined as high officials may be fined.