Mongolian Liberals Gear Up for 2016

In electoral campaigns, as in everything else in politics, it’s never too early.

This must have been the mindset of the Civil Will Green Party (CWGP) of Mongolia as it embarked on a series of seminars last 18-20 September 2013 with experienced politician and campaign strategist Mr. Manfred Richter.  Mr. Richter, who is currently a Treasurer of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), previously served various positions in the German government at the local, state and federal levels.  He also handled numerous electoral campaigns of the German liberal party, Freie Demokratische Partei (FDP).

The seminar series was divided into three (3) parts: (1) party organization and management; (2) coalition politics and coalition management and (3) electoral campaigns.  On the first day of the seminar on 18 September, the elements of party organization were discussed with CWGP staff members, and they were asked what of these elements were lacking in their party.  The discussion revolved on deficiencies in three elements: structure, manpower, and finances, and the staff members, divided into two working groups, exchanged views on how these could be addressed.  In the course of the discussion, Mr. Richter also tried to compare the proposed strategies with the proposals in the strategy paper which CWGP formulated for the 2012 elections.

The second day, 19 September, dealt with the complexities of being part of the governing coalition, which is currently the situation of CWGP.  Drawing from the long experience of FDP in coalition politics, Mr. Richter shared to CWGP officials general rules and practical experiences regarding the opportunities and threats that emanate from being a junior coalition partner. “You must always strike a balance between being a reliable coalition partner and being a distinct political party in the governing coalition”, said Mr. Richter.

On the last day, 20 September, previous and potential candidates from CWGP had a morning sharing on the specifics of the electoral campaign in Mongolia.  The participants noted that while there are many notable similarities in how electoral campaigns are conducted in Mongolia and Germany, there are also significant differences such as the difficulties posed by Mongolia’s geography, the influence of money politics, and the resort to populist practices and policies.  In the afternoon, members of the CWGP’s youth wing from across the country met with Mr. Richter, and a discussion ensued on how different is liberalism from other ideologies, and how it can be used as a political tool to attract young people to the party.

CALD Executive Director Lito Arlegue joined Mr. Richter in the three-day seminar.  He commented: “CWGP, without a doubt, is becoming a significant political force in Mongolia and has the potential to become a strong political contender in the coming years.  Through seminars like these, we hope that the party would be better prepared to contest the next parliamentary elections.  And judging from the interest and fervor of party officials and members, I have no doubt in my mind that it would be a force to reckon with come 2016.”