Mongolia's Ruling Party Wins Parliamentary Election with Slim Majority

Preliminary results from Mongolia's parliamentary election indicate a narrow victory for the ruling party. The Mongolian People's Party (MPP) secured 68 to 70 seats in the 126-seat parliament, Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai announced early Saturday. This marks a significant decrease from their previous landslide win in 2016.

The recent election expanded the parliament by 50 seats compared to the 2020 election. Despite the MPP's previous dominance, other parties have managed to capitalise on voter dissatisfaction, reducing the MPP's majority. Turnout was reported at 69.3% by 10 p.m., with expectations to reach 70% after including remote districts and overseas votes.

Mongolia's Political Landscape

Mongolia transitioned to democracy in 1990 after over six decades of one-party communist rule. While citizens have embraced newfound freedoms, many remain sceptical of parliament members, viewing them as self-serving. The MPP has acknowledged these issues but attributes them to other political parties.

Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai emphasised the need for prioritising national interest over personal gain. He called for renewed cooperation between the government and citizens, stating, "Today, a completely new 30 years in the history of Mongolia begins." He urged everyone to observe how the new parliament and political parties perform.

Voter Sentiments and Election Day

On election day, about two dozen voters lined up at a polling station on Ulaanbaatar's outskirts, some expressing frustration over a 10-minute delay in opening. Older voters, including community leaders, wore formal silk robes for the occasion. Inside, voters filled out ballots behind small screens and used electronic vote-counting machines.

In Ulaanbaatar's "ger" district, many residents support the MPP due to its historical ties during the communist era. Naranchimeg Lamjav, a 69-year-old MPP member and elderly community leader, expressed her support for Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene's government, praising their efforts to establish justice and start a new era.

Younger Voters Seek Change

However, younger voters showed discontent with the MPP. Enkhmandakh Boldbaatar, 38, chose neither the MPP nor the main opposition Democratic Party, criticising both for poor performance. "I've been living here for 38 years, yet the area is the same," he said. "Only this road and some buildings were constructed."

Nineteen parties competed for parliamentary seats this election. Besides corruption scandals, key voter concerns included unemployment and inflation exacerbated by COVID-19 and the Ukraine war's impact. The HUN Party emerged as a potential third force alongside the centre-right Democratic Party.

Environmental Concerns

Climate change and water access are critical issues for many Mongolians. Khandaa Byamba, a herder from Dundgobi province in Mongolia's Gobi Desert, highlighted these concerns in an online interview with The Associated Press. She noted that candidates promised water resources in her region where herders and mines compete for scarce groundwater.

"Global warming and climate change are very acute in Mongolia. The Gobi is in dire need of water," she said. "It is highly doubtful whether or not they will deliver on their promises."

The election results reflect growing voter dissatisfaction with traditional parties amid ongoing economic and environmental challenges. As Mongolia embarks on its next democratic chapter, citizens remain watchful of their leaders' ability to address these pressing issues effectively.