Proposal made to create a bicameral legislature

The People’s Great Khural Movement organized an open discussion on Thursday, and proposed the creation of a bicameral legislature.

They pointed out that legislators put forward bills in Parliament for their personal gain, but a bicameral legislature could ensure that there is a system in place to monitor corruption in Parliament.

They said that the formation of a bicameral legislature should be considered for a constitutional amendment. The movement believes that a bicameral legislature will strengthen discipline and insure accountability among members of the Mongolian legislature.

They also noted that when a Member of Parliament violates the law, the MP doesn’t own up to his or her responsibilities, and Parliament does not typically vote in favor of the dismissal of the MP.

During the discussion, a member of the People's Great Khural Movement cited examples of countries with bicameral legislatures, mentioning Germany, Japan, Russia, Great Britain, and Switzerland. Examples of countries facing political challenges similar to those of Mongolia, such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Angola, and Uganda, were also noted.

During the discussion, former Mayor of Ulaanbaatar E.Bat-Uul noted that Mongolian society is influenced by oligarchs, and that fair competition and true democracy cannot exist in the Mongolian market and governance.

He emphasized that before the Constitution was adopted in 1992, there was an Ethics Commission that was part of the People’s Great Khural. He said that if the Ethics Commission existed now, it would address MPs violating laws and other political ethics.

E.Bat-Uul said that development in urban and rural areas was much better in the past than it is now, because each soum had the authority to nominate a candidate for a seat on the People’s Great Khural. He said that a governmental body that controls Parliament should be formed through changes to the Constitution.