The State of Democratic Governance in Mongolia

Over the past years, a multi-party system took root in Mongolia; parliament is chosen on a competititve basis; elections are held within the time period set by the Constitution; several peaceful transfers of power took place; no limits are imposed on people’s right to vote; and such rights as freedom of expression and assembly are exercised without fear. Comparative study has shown that, in a democracy, sound governance -- with all the challenges and difficulties associated with building it, especially at times of transition -- constitutes the method that, in a long run, determines the system’s stability and thus enhances even a nation’s security. However, there can be no governance for governance’s sake. Indeed, I argue in my paper that unimpeded exercise of human rights ought to be the lithmus test against which soundness of any system of governance ought to be judged. We should look both at the system’s overall performance and specific legal acts in respect of human rights to be able to ascertain whether a given system of governance meets the standards of soundness. In Mongolia, for instance, despite all the institutions of democracy that have been built over the years, the system of governance cannot be said to be functionally fully efficient in providing protection of rights. In fact, there is ground to believe that insufficient protection of rights adversely affects the advancement of democratic governance in Mongolia Myargument therefore is that constitutional declaration of human rights and independent judiciary composed of criminal, civil and admistrative courts are not enough for the full protection of human rights. There will always be lapses in governance. What matters most then is a constant reminder on the part of civil society – and civil society in Mongolia has grown quite mature and responsible –that the system needs constant improvement. In Mongolia, democracy has a widely positive connotation with the general public and there is growing awareness among it that democracy is about popular control. This belief should serve as a solid basis for further engagement of civil society with the issues related to strengthening democratic governance in Mongolia. Indifference and complacency are the worst enemies of democracy. In a new democracy where civil society is disengaged from issues related to improving governance and holding the rulers accountable it is an almost sure bet that the society as a whole could revert to authoritarianism.