The head of the Metropolitan Election Committee, Z.Ganbaatar, told media on Tuesday that the new dates for election in Ulaanbaatar would be announced this week, but only after analyzing the data from the individual constituencies. All the ballot papers used in Sunday’s election would be destroyed, and new ones printed.

Asked what would happen if voter turnout again failed to reach the mandatory minimum, Ganbaatar said there was no legal provision for a third election, so the present laws would most likely have to be changed. In most countries, the results are decided on the basis of whatever votes are cast, and no minimum percentage is demanded. Referring to complaints about unlawful pressures put on a supposedly independent election commission the official admitted that “clearly there were a lot more MPRP election representatives in Khan-Uul than should have been”. He also felt citizens had lost confidence in the fairness of elections. People will vote only if they feel sure election results would not be tampered with.
He admitted that election issues were in a flux. A reelection has to be held within 14 days of the first election being countermanded. But if the present GEC resigns, as it is widely expected to do, it will take some time for a new one to be set up. The law also says a reelection or election can be held under a GEC that has been in office for at least 28 days. They have sought clarification on these knotty problems.
Sunday’s election in Ulaanbaatar cost Tg460 million, and a similar amount will have to be spent on the fresh election.

 

Source: en.news.mn