Mongolian Parliament Chairman Miyegombo Enkhbold (3rd L) from the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) poses for a group photo after receiving his candidacy certificate in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, on May 27, 2017. Candidates for Mongolia's presidential election received their candidacy certificates from the country's General Election Commission (GEC) Saturday, ready to join in the country's seventh presidential race scheduled for June 26. (Xinhua)
ULAN BATOR, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Candidates for Mongolia's presidential election received their candidacy certificates from the country's General Election Commission (GEC) Saturday, ready to join in the country's seventh presidential race scheduled for June 26.
The newly unveiled lineup included Mongolian Parliament Chairman Miyegombo Enkhbold from the Mongolian People's Party (MPP), Sainkhuu Ganbaatar from the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) and Battulga Khaltmaa from the Democratic Party (DP), who are regarded as the key candidates in the race.
Yet former president Nambaryn Enkhbayar, who tried to run for reelection, was rejected by the GEC.
Enkhbold, 53, is currently the chairman of the State Great Khural, the Parliament of Mongolia. He was Mongolia's deputy prime minister from 2007 to 2012 and prime minister from January 2006 to November 2007.
The MPP's landslide victory in the 2016 parliamentary race led many to believe that Enkhbold had a greater chance for office.
Enkhbold said at the candidacy certificate receiving ceremony that he will "win to make Mongolians' life better."
Ganbaatar, 47, from the MPRP, is a populist former member of parliament and trade union leader, whose criticism of foreign investment reportedly triggered mining disputes and economic difficulties.
Ganbaatar said at the candidacy certificate receiving ceremony that the person who has the best plan for Mongolia should win.
Meanwhile, Battulga, from the DP, has a diverse background as a businessman, sportsman, artist and politician.
Both Enkhbold and Battulga will have to convince the public that they have the qualifications and problem-solving skills needed to tackle pressing issues.
According to an informal online survey conducted in April, the pressing issues in Mongolia include governance, economy, foreign policy, national security, unemployment and the legal system.
The Mongolian public is highly dissatisfied with Mongolia's legal system and desires economic stability, jobs and less pollution for the younger and future generations, said the survey.
During the upcoming presidential debates, these questions and many more will be raised by the public. Meanwhile, the constant switching back and forth between the DP and MPP have some demanding a third party influence in Mongolia's political sphere.
On June 26, Mongolia will hold its seventh presidential elections to choose the fifth president. Campaigns will commence from June 6 to June 25. Mongolian citizens living abroad will vote at relevant embassies and consulates on June 10-11.
Incumbent President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj is not running for re-election as he has been president for two terms.
