The April event was the first such deliberation on constitutional reform in Mongolia. The participants, 740 in number, were randomly selected. (Mongolians Discuss Constitutional Reform, supra.) “Deliberative polling” is a form of political consultation that consists of a random group of citizens from all walks of life coming together to discuss issues of national importance, with the goal of assisting lawmakers in their decision-making. (Id.; see also Sean Gray, Deliberative Polling, PARTICIPEDIA (Nov. 6, 2009).)

The recommendations made last month include:

maintaining the current balance of power between the legislature and the executive branches of government;
strengthening the unity of the country;
consolidating how local administration is structured;
developing a professional, independent civil service;
strengthening the judiciary to improve the legal structure; and
creating a bicameral legislature that would include the State Great Hural and the State Congress. (Mongolians Discuss Constitutional Reform, supra.)
Mongolia’s current Constitution was adopted in 1992 and was amended in 1999 and 2001. (Constitution.) It specifies that amendments can be made through a two-step process. Proposed amendments are submitted to the legislature by the Constitutional Court. If supported by at least two-thirds of the legislature, the proposed amendment is voted on in a national referendum. (Id. art. 68.)