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Mongolia holds parliamentary election amid economic downturn

Xinhua, June 29, 2016 Adjust font size:

Mongolians on Wednesday went to cast their votes for the country's parliamentary and local council elections, which will shape the country's political life in the next four years.

According to the General Election Commission of Mongolia, 498 candidates, coming from 12 parties, three coalitions or running as independents, will run for 76 seats in Mongolia's State Great Khural (parliament), as well as posts in local law-making councils.

About 450 observers from other countries and international organizations will watch the elections with 1,912,901 people in the country eligible to vote.

Any organization of public events and sale of alcohol are prohibited in the capital city of Ulan Bator on Wednesday, a public holiday to encourage people to cast their ballots amid falling voter turnout in the country.

After casting his vote at a school in the capital, Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj appealed to Mongolians to cast their votes before the 10 p.m.(1300 GMT) deadline for voting.

Main contenders for the parliament and local councils are the ruling Democratic Party of Mongolia and opposition Mongolian People's Party (MPP).

Industrialization and the foreign debt burden dominated the election campaigns of the parties, as the ruling party pledged to continue industrialization and infrastructure development projects.

The MPP blamed the ruling party for the current economic crisis and mounting foreign debt and promised to form a "professional and competent, stable" government if it wins.

Mongolian Prime Minister Chimed Saikhanbileg urged all political parties and coalitions to work together for the development of the country in the next four years. Endi