The recent Mongolian regional, capital, soum and district council elections have further solidified the dominance of the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) and the Democratic Party (DP). With 17,278 candidates across 10 parties, two coalitions, and a number of independents competing for 8,031 seats, the outcome has reaffirmed the stronghold these two parties maintain over Mongolian politics. MPP emerged as the victor in 14 provinces, while DP claimed seven, leaving little room for third-party influence, especially in the capital, where no third-party candidate won a seat.

A rare exception to this trend was the limited but symbolic representation of the HUN Party, which secured one seat each in Arkhangai, Selenge and Dornod provinces. While these wins indicate some level of third-party presence, they lack the numbers or concentration to influence policy direction in any significant way. At the soum and district levels, third-party parties similarly struggled to make inroads, with only isolated pockets of representation amid a sea of MPP and DP dominance. The Civil Movement Party (CMP) did manage a breakthrough, securing a majority in a single constituency, an uncommon and notable feat for a third party.

This entrenched two-party dominance raises questions about the viability of third parties in Mongolian politics. Structural factors, such as a lack of financial resources, limited access to media, and the entrenched networks of the major parties, create considerable barriers. For third parties to gain ground, they must navigate these obstacles while carving out a unique identity that resonates with the electorate. However, the persistence of third-party actors, however small their representation may currently be, suggests there is potential for alternative voices in the political landscape. In fact, the steady presence of the HUN Party and the rare success of CMP could signal latent demand for change. Yet, realizing this potential will require strategic organization and coalition-building among third parties, especially if they wish to present a viable alternative to MPP and DP duopoly. Without these steps, third parties may continue to function as marginal actors rather than influential stakeholders.

In short, while the current political landscape in Mongolia is largely polarized between MPP and DP, there is space for third-party involvement if these parties can effectively mobilize and distinguish themselves. The challenge lies in their capacity to create sustainable support bases, articulate distinct policies, and adapt to an environment that has historically favored established players.

CMP secures 23 mandates

In the recent local elections in Bayan-Agt soum of Bulgan Province, the political landscape took an unexpected turn, showcasing an intriguing shift in voter sentiment. The CMP, a relatively small third-party entity, won a majority with 12 out of 21 seats in the council, marking a rare victory for third-party influence at the local level in Mongolia. DP won three seats, MPP one, and five independent representatives were elected, creating a unique council composition that breaks from the longstanding dominance of MPP and DP.

This success is part of a broader wave for CMP, which secured 23 seats across multiple soums, making it the most successful third-party party in these local elections and marking the first time a third-party party has achieved a majority independently. The party now holds a presence in Bugat in Bulgan Province, Must in Khovd Province, Altanbulag in Selenge Province, Delger in Govi-Altai, Tsagaan-Ovoo in Bayankhongor and Yeruu in Selenge, symbolizing the public’s growing openness to alternatives outside the traditional two-party system.

CMP’s origins add depth to this story. The party was founded by political activists J.Batzandan and O.Magnai in 2007, who previously led the “Healthy Society-Citizen Movement.” Their grassroots activism drew attention to corruption and social justice issues, initially attracting widespread support. However, following the July 1, 2008, protests - during which the government accused them of inciting violence - the founders faced accusations of incitement, leading to detentions and eventual exile for some members. Despite these challenges, the party’s ability to secure significant seats reflects enduring public loyalty to its founding principles and a growing frustration with the status quo.

The results also hint at a subtle but significant undercurrent in Mongolian politics. Voter support for CMP and other independent representatives indicates a growing appetite for diversity and accountability, as citizens seek alternatives to the MPP-DP dominance. For many, the CMP’s anti-establishment roots and stance on corruption offer a compelling counter-narrative. Additionally, its recent showing, with 126 candidates in parliamentary elections, underscores its momentum and suggests that it could play a transformative role in Mongolia’s political future.

Third parties take 0.5% of total representation

Despite some isolated successes - such as CMP, Truth and Right Party, National Alliance, and Civil Courage Green Party collectively winning only 31 out of 6,922 soum council seats (0.4 percent) - third-party influence remains marginal. Urban districts saw a stronger presence of third-party candidates, as these groups strategically allocate resources where outreach efforts are more viable. Altogether, third-party parties captured 43 of the 8,031 seats available nationwide, representing just 0.5 percent of total seats.

A.Buddorj, a journalist affiliated with CMP, won a seat in Tsogttsetsii soum of Umnugovi Province, marking his shift from parliamentary candidacy to local governance. Additionally, the National Alliance secured three seats in Khulunbuir soum of Dornod Province, while the Civil Courage Green Party won four seats in Bayanchandmani soum of Tuv Province. Beyond these isolated victories, 86 independent candidates were also elected to soum councils.

Interestingly, the concentration of third-party candidates has been highest in urban areas, where they tend to focus their resources and efforts. In the recent elections, 15 third-party parties and two coalitions participated in the capital elections, with some success. For instance, the HUN Party won four seats in Baganuur District, and the National Alliance captured two seats in Bayangol District Council. The Khan-Uul District Council showed the most diversity in representation, with the United People’s Participation Party, led by former lawmaker Ts.Oyungerel, securing one seat, alongside single representatives from the HUN Party and the New United Coalition.

The factors limiting third-party influence in rural areas are multifaceted. Many third-party groups lack the manpower and financial resources needed to penetrate these vast regions effectively. Consequently, they prioritize more concentrated urban constituencies, where their messages can reach a larger audience with relatively lower resource expenditure. Nonetheless, with 43 total seats won at the provincial, soum, and district levels, third-party parties still represent only a fraction of the country’s political spectrum, with little ability to influence policy at any meaningful level.

Does the problem lie with the party leaders or the system?

In Mongolia’s political landscape, although 37 parties are officially registered with the Supreme Court, only MPP and DP have consistently held governmental power over the past 34 years. This two-party dominance is not only a product of historical precedent but also a result of organizational weaknesses among smaller parties, as well as strategic limitations in the political system itself.

Many smaller parties are built around individual leaders rather than sustained ideologies or comprehensive organizational structures. Such “one-man parties” have limited agendas that revolve around their leaders’ personal goals rather than broader, national policies. Examples include B.Jargalsaikhan’s National People’s Party and L.Gundalai’s People’s Power Party. Both parties have used elections and party structures primarily to advance their leaders’ political and personal interests, rather than aiming for long-term electoral viability. For instance, B.Jargalsaikhan gained a seat in Parliament in 2004 and leveraged his position to join a coalition government, eventually becoming Minister of Industry and Trade. L.Gundalai similarly secured an appointment as Minister of Health. Over time, these leaders moved between parties and even aligned with DP, reflecting a personal rather than ideological commitment. This “one-leader” phenomenon weakens the foundation of these smaller parties, limiting their appeal and preventing them from cultivating a broad, sustainable voter base.

A second category of smaller parties consists of those that appear primarily around election cycles, operating with a transactional approach to politics. These parties are sometimes perceived as working with the intention of splitting votes or entering deals that benefit the main parties, particularly MPP and DP. For instance, during the pandemic, A.Otgonbaatar, leader of the Truth and Right Party, gained public attention for his protest against the government’s handling of a sensitive health incident. This activism, while briefly successful in prompting government change, is seen by many as politically motivated rather than aligned with a consistent platform. Moreover, such parties sometimes form “alliances” with one of the two main parties during elections, diluting their own influence and failing to establish a distinct political identity. These tactics suggest that for many of these smaller parties, the goal is not long-term political transformation but short-term influence and potential benefits from affiliations with the main parties.

A third category consists of parties that participate regularly in elections but lack sufficient organizational structure, financial resources, and credible leadership to build significant support. The Freedom Party serves as an example of a party that has been present in elections yet has consistently failed to secure substantial votes or representation. The Civil Courage Green Party was once a notable third-party with parliamentary representation, but its influence waned after its leader, S.Oyun, left the party for other governmental roles. Its internal challenges have only deepened, with recent reports of division and criticisms about its leadership forming internal factions.

In an attempt to foster multi-party representation, Mongolia’s electoral system was reformed to a mixed representation model. This was intended to give smaller parties a greater opportunity to secure seats in Parliament. For example, in recent elections, the HUN Party won eight seats, while the National Alliance and CMP each won four seats, marking a modest step toward multi-party representation. However, these third-party victories have not translated into a powerful opposition or a cohesive third force in Parliament. In 2012, the Justice Alliance briefly formed a coalition with 11 seats, partnering with DP to form a government. Yet this coalition was short-lived and underscored the challenges smaller parties face in building long-term influence. Today, instead of forming a consolidated opposition, smaller parties often find themselves co-opted into government roles, such as the two ministers from the HUN Party in L.Oyun-Erdene’s administration. This tendency to align with the ruling parties limits the potential for true third-party opposition.

Voter interest in third-party options has gradually increased, as evident by the rising percentage of votes for smaller parties in recent elections. On average, MPP has garnered around 45 percent of the vote, while DP captures 35 to 40 percent, leaving 15 to 20 percent of the electorate favoring smaller parties or independents. This signals a clear public appetite for alternatives to MPP and DP. However, despite this growing demand, many smaller parties fail to capture sustained public trust due to inconsistent messaging, limited resources, and leadership fragmentation.

The second forum titled “Civil Society Leadership in Tuberculosis Eradication in Mongolia” was held, focusing on the critical themes of public participation, human rights, and gender equality. Organized collaboratively by the Mongolian anti-Tuberculosis Coalition and the Tuberculosis Professional Branch Council of the Ministry of Health, the forum brought together a diverse group of stakeholders who underscored the pressing nature of tuberculosis as a serious public health concern in the country.

Participants highlighted the alarming reality that tuberculosis continues to pose a significant threat to public health in Mongolia. A key issue raised was the impact of discrimination and stigmatization on the spread of the disease. Many speakers pointed out that individuals suffering from tuberculosis often face bias and discrimination within healthcare facilities, which is a matter that demands urgent attention. This persistent stigma not only deters people from seeking treatment but also contributes to the disease’s proliferation.

Moreover, it was noted that approximately 70 percent of the families of those diagnosed with tuberculosis experience financial difficulties. Last year, nearly 2,360 cases of tuberculosis were reported nationwide, a statistic that further emphasizes the need for collective action to combat this public health crisis.

Dr. Ts.Bazarragchaa, a leading researcher and project director for the Mongolian anti-Tuberculosis Coalition, emphasized the global ambition to eradicate tuberculosis by 2030. He stated, “Our country is committed to achieving this goal. The participation of civil society organizations is crucial, in addition to the efforts of the health sector, to reduce the incidence of tuberculosis.” He pointed out that Mongolia is among the 30 countries leading in tuberculosis infection rates worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for visionary policies and funding to reduce the spread of this disease.

The forum participants stressed the importance of strategically planning collaborative efforts between governmental and civil society organizations to effectively address tuberculosis. In particular, they underscored the necessity of implementing measures to prevent discrimination against individuals affected by the disease.

The forum served as a vital platform for raising awareness and fostering dialogue among stakeholders, reinforcing the collective commitment to combat tuberculosis in Mongolia. Through united efforts, it is hoped that the stigma surrounding the disease can be diminished, ensuring that affected individuals receive the care and support they need without fear of discrimination.

After four years of systematic exploration in Mongolia, and with the help of BHP’s Xplor program in 2023, AZ9 has made what it has described as an ‘outstanding’ copper-nickel discovery at the Oval prospect in the Gobi-Altai region.

Drill hole OVD021 hit a massive sulphide intersection of 8.8m at 6.08% copper, 3.19% nickel, 1.63g/t PGEs, 0.11% cobalt from 107.2m in between high-grade zones of:

85m at 0.75% copper, 0.78% nickel, 0.15g/t 3E (PGEs), 0.04% cobalt from 99.35m; and

8m at 1.36% copper, 1.00% nickel, 0.44g/t 3E, 0.04% cobalt from 116m.

AZ9 said the most significant achievement of the drilling has been intercepting massive sulphides, which further confirms that the Oval magmatic sulphide system is rich and capable of forming high-grade ore.

“This is an exceptional result that shows the mineralisation system at Oval has potential for hosting a substantial deposit with a higher-grade zone of copper and nickel,” AZ9 managing director Gan-Ochir Zunduisuren said.

“Future exploration work at the Oval discovery will primarily focus on the extension of the high-grade zone to understand its size, true dip, and orientation.”

The journey of discovery will restart within two weeks at the Yambat project with more drilling planned.

This comes as mining companies scramble for copper supply on the back of constrained output growth due to high costs and depleting ore grade.

BHP, operators of the world’s biggest copper mine in Chile, claims the average grade of copper mines has declined by around 40% since 1991 and expects between one-third and one-half of global copper supply to face grade decline and ageing challenges over the next decade.

Mongolia is famously the home of Rio Tinto’s Oyu Tolgoi mine, which is on track to become a 500,000tpa producer via a major underground expansion.

Presidents of the Mongolia National Olympic Committee and Singapore National Olympic Committee met to explore future collaborations in the Olympics and the sporting world.

Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and President of the Mongolia National Olympic Committee since 2022, Battushig Batbold, held a meeting with the recently elected President of the National Olympic Committee of Singapore and Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, H.E. Grace Fu, on Monday.

Dialogue between the two focused on enhancing sporting cooperation between the two nations with a particular emphasis on Olympic development.

The two Presidents exchanged knowledge and strategies to support athletes while discussing the best ways to promote youth engagement in sports and improve sporting infrastructures.

Expressing a commitment to fostering deeper collaboration, Battushig and Fu explored new avenues for cooperation, such as joint training programs, the exchange of expertise in sports management, and initiatives that focus on sustainability in sports.

As Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, H.E. Grace Fu also highlighted Singapore’s emphasis on environmentally friendly practices echoing the growing global importance of sustainability within sporting activities.

The meeting was a significant step forward in strengthening sporting ties between Mongolia and Singapore with the hope of creating more opportunities for the progression of both nations’ athletes.

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will pay a state visit to Mongolia on Oct. 28-29. The visit will feature high-level discussions and the signing of pivotal bilateral agreements.

During his visit, President Tokayev will hold talks with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, Chairman of the Great State Khural (Parliament) Dashzegve Amarbayasgalan, and Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene.

The visit will be Tokayev’s first state visit to Mongolia aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two Central Asian neighbors. It comes just a few days after Tokayev traveled to Kazan to participate in the BRICS summit.

Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court found that, by failing to arrest Mr Putin while he was on its territory and surrender him to the Court, Mongolia has failed to comply with the Court’s request to cooperate in this regard contrary to the provisions of the Rome Statute, ICC said.

In view of the seriousness of Mongolia’s failure to cooperate with the Court, the Chamber deemed it necessary to refer the matter to the Assembly of States Parties.

The Chamber reaffirmed that personal immunity, including that of heads of state, is not opposable before the ICC, and no waiver is required. States parties and those accepting the Court's jurisdiction are duty-bound to arrest and surrender individuals subject to ICC warrants, regardless of official position or nationality.

The Chamber highlighted that the ICC operates independently of State involvement, addressing serious international crimes. Under Article 86 of the Rome Statute, all States Parties must fully cooperate with the Court to support its mandate. The Chamber further recalled that the Court performs functions that align with the general interests of the international community by exercising jurisdiction over the most serious international crimes, which include grave breaches of fundamental norms of international law.

The development of the design documentation for the Soyuz Vostok gas pipeline with a length of almost 1 thousand km, which will connect Russia, Mongolia and China, has been completed. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin in a joint statement following talks with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, according to the Kremlin's website.

The state expertise of the project is currently underway, and an assessment of its environmental impact is being carried out.

It is not only supposed to transit Russian gas through Mongolia. The possibility of gas supplies for Mongolian consumers is being considered. Gazprom is ready to provide the necessary support in practical issues of gasification of the country.

Deputy Governor of the Capital City of Mongolia in charge of the Social Sector, Green Development, and Air and Environmental Pollution Amartuvshin Amgalanbayar met with the United Nations Development Program Resident Representative Matilda Domovska on October 24, 2024.

At the meeting, Deputy Governor Amartuvshin Amgalanbayar noted that the Memorandum of Understanding between Ulaanbaatar City and the United Nations Development Program was signed in 2016 and expressed his intention to further expand cooperation within the “Supporting Renewable Energy Transition in Ger Districts for Increased Livelihood Benefits” Project jointly organized by Ulaanbaatar City and the UNDP.

Due to the adverse impact of air pollution on human health, Mongolia faces the need to transition to new renewable energy models. Through the two-phase implementation of the Project, 50 households will be provided support in purchasing and installing electric heaters and solar panels for heating purposes, which will facilitate healthy living conditions for vulnerable households, free from indoor air pollutants.

The Project “Supporting Renewable Energy Transition in Ger Districts for Increased Livelihood Benefits” will contribute significantly to the development of Ulaanbaatar City. UNDP Resident Representative Matilda Dimovska expressed her willingness to provide all-round support in strengthening bilateral cooperation to ensure the successful implementation of this Project.

During his tenure as Prime Minister of Mongolia, President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa issued a directive to rehabilitate 8,000 hectares of vacant land damaged by mining operations in 2020-2024. President Khurelsukh visited the Nariinii Am area in Yeruu soum of Selenge aimag, on October 19, 2024, to review the progress of the given tasks.

According to the census conducted in 2020 by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Mongolia, over 30,000 hectares of land were damaged, of which more than 29,000 hectares were destroyed by mining, and 8,000 hectares had to be restored urgently.

At the time, Prime Minister of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa made a stand against irresponsible mining, canceled 938 special licenses for mineral exploration and exploitation, charged to rehabilitate damaged areas, and set an objective of “Rehabilitating 8,000 hectares of damaged and abandoned areas due to mining operations" in the 2020-2024 Government Action Plan, reported by Office of the President of Mongolia.

Following the Joint Decree on “Organizing Unified Measures” approved by the Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, the Minister of Environment and Tourism, the Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry, and the Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs of Mongolia, the Government of Mongolia has launched “Mining Rehabilitation-2024” activities, carrying out technical reclamation on 9,773 hectares of land and biological restoration on 2,549 hectares in 2020-2023.

Until 2020, less than 1,000 hectares of land have been restored nationwide annually. However, starting in 2020, over 2,000 hectares of land have been rehabilitated. Specifically, the land rehabilitation took place on 912 hectares in 2018, 1,973 hectares in 2020, 2,123 hectares in 2021, 2,189 hectares in 2022, and 3,488 hectares in 2023, respectively.

As part of the “Mining Rehabilitation-2024,” 57 excavators, bulldozers, gold prospecting equipment, trucks, and tools, left vacant outside the guard’s house at the Yalbag Valley of Selenge aimag, were regulated and handed over for inspection. Moreover, the environmental and economic damage caused by the degraded land was calculated. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Mongolia has reflected the technical reclamation of damaged and abandoned lands in the annual environmental management plans of enterprises and organizations with mining licenses, and this approach has proven to be effective.

As part of its social responsibility and obligation of activities in biodiversity conservation, the “Erdenet Mining Corporation” SOE has spent about MNT 42 billion to restore over 2,000 hectares of degraded land in Yeruu soum, Selenge aimag. Specifically, Erdenet Mining Corporation carried out technical rehabilitation on 1,230 hectares of land between 2022 and 2023. The enterprise undertook the responsibility of rehabilitating 777 hectares of land in 2024, with 548 hectares completed.

“Oyu Tolgoi” LLC equalized its pledge to plant 100 million trees as part of the “One Billion Trees” National Movement to land rehabilitation, in particular, the company has rehabilitated 400 hectares of land in the Yalbag Valley of Yeruu soum, Selenge aimag, and 215 hectares in Shariingol soum, Darkhan-Uul aimag.

In the future, the following actions will be taken:

-Carrying out technical and biological rehabilitation and reforestation in areas of special importance, including forest funds, water reservoir areas, and key biodiversity areas damaged by illegal mining and artisanal small-scale mining,

-Focusing on intensifying biological rehabilitation as part of the objective of "Improving the quality and oversight of mining rehabilitation, and tightening the accountability for entities that fail to perform land rehabilitation" reflected in the Government Action Program for 2024-2028,

-Taking urgent measures to rehabilitate the areas where gold mining operations took place in 1980-2010 and are unrehabilitated due to residual deposits,

-Confiscating all equipment and machinery used in illegal mineral extraction regardless of the ownership status, and developing legal regulations related to the non-use of equipment that does not meet standards,

-Not weakening regulations on environmental protection and restoration in the draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Minerals,

-Banning artisanal small-scale mining in phases,

-Establishing a system of rewarding mining enterprises and organizations that responsibly fulfill their duties to protect the environment, restore lands, and operate in an eco-friendly manner.