News.mn has a transcript of the presidential election (See the website for the full transcript):
The two presidential candidates answered 18 questions, two more than initially decided, at their much-awaited television debate yesterday. The debate started at 9 pm and continued for one hour and 30 minutes. Both wore a dark suit and red tie, Elbegdorj’s with white stripes, while Enkhbayar’s had white dots.
We give below some of the questions and a summary of the two candidates’ answers.
How do you evaluate the current economic situation of Mongolia?
Ts.Elbegdorj: The economic situation can best be understood by looking at people’s life. Wherever I ask people “How is your life?” they answer it is becoming worse day by day. Almost everybody is in debt. There can be no change in people’s life or in the economy if we cannot build a fair society. There must be more equitable distribution of wealth. At the moment, those who wield power are cornering all privileges. We are among the first 10 resource-rich countries in the world but our standard of living is ranked 150. This has dropped 40 percent in the last four years. Many think we have been made poor by the global crisis, but I think the crisis is more at home, and is not the result of shortage of money and resources so much as of lack of social justice, and absence of a sense of responsibility among those in power. We have to give more rights to the people, extend our welfare net and work for a fair society.
N.Enkhbayar: Life can never be the same for everybody. Some people are satisfied with what they have, some are not. If we recall 1990 our life has certainly improved. At that time Mongolian shops had only salt. But we have a long way to go. I respect Ts.Elbegdorj as a person and as a candidate. He did a lot to take Mongolia out of the old system and build a democratic society. When I was Speaker I supported him as Prime Minister both times he was nominated. We are capable of taking right and good decisions and have to be positive in our outlook.
What do you think of the July 1 events?
Elbegdorj: I am still seeking answers to many questions relating to that day’s events. Why has nobody claimed compensation for their burnt car? With so many protesters getting restive, why didn’t a single Government leader come to them and say, “Remain peaceful, and let’s talk”? Many are saying the protesters went wild as they did not have enough food. If that was so why did they not go to Ulaanbaatar Hotel and why did they go to the Cultural Palace? Why has nobody been charged with arson and destruction? Police found so many people who, they say, threw stones, but why couldn’t they find who fired the shots that killed people? We have not been told who gave the orders to shoot. Mongolia has learnt a big lesson from July 1. To make sure such incidents are not repeated, we have to adopt a proper election law and see that it is not violated. We cannot allow people’s votes to be stolen so that some leaders can stick to power and position.
Enkhbayar: It is a black spot in Mongolian history. I pray this is never repeated. Things went out of control because of irresponsible provocations by some politicians. I proclaimed a state of emergency to impose calm. The young people sentenced for their role in the violence should be forgiven. So also the women.
What will you do with the land issue and canceling mining licenses?
Enkhbayar: These are both major issues. That we have not been able to regulate either is largely because of our lack of experience and failure to pass the right laws. In our rush to secure foreign investment we issued mining licenses without proper care. That was a mistake that we have to correct. I have sat with those who held licenses in Tavantolgoi, the Government has held extensive negotiations with them and some licenses were returned. Now the important thing is to start work on the big mining deposits while ensuring that the profits go to the people.
Elbegdorj: The land issue is directly related to Mongolian welfare. It cannot be resolved unless local administrations are given economic and political power and rights. Land ownership should be a matter for local administrations to grant.
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