President of Mongolia Kh.Battulga on March 25 expressed his view on postponing the 2020 parliamentary elections scheduled on June 24 to save on election expenses. He formally introduced the proposal at the opening of regular spring session of Parliament on April 6.

President Kh.Battulga met with the General Election Commission (GEC) and gave specific instructions on April 9 in relation to his proposal. Head of GEC P.Sodnomtseren later reported on the issue discussed by the president and GEC.

“The date of the upcoming parliamentary election was scheduled on February 1, 2020. In line with this, GEC is preparing for the 2020 upcoming election. Trainings and seminars related to the preparation for the elections have been transferred to electronic form on February 1. In accordance with the guidelines given by the National Emergency Commission, GEC discussed the action plans of the parties and coalitions participating in the upcoming elections and submitted the action plans to the National Audit Office. Further, the training of the election committees has been transferred to electronic form,” he said.

President Kh.Battulga gave instructions to the GEC and its members regarding the current situation. In particular, he mentioned that a contingency plan needs to be approved as a matter of urgency. The president provided guidance on GEC operation during risky situations, ensuring disinfection and sterilization during voting, and increasing polling stations.

P.Sodnomtseren mentioned that GEC will fulfill its legal obligations until the resolution on postponement of the election is decided upon.

“In the history of parliamentary elections, there has never been a low turnout. The 2016 election had a 70 percent turnout. If Parliament does not decide to postpone the election, the parliamentary election will be organized under disinfection regime," he added.