On 26 November, Mongolia celebrated the 100th anniversary of its first constitution, a significant milestone in Asian political history that marked the establishment of Mongolia as a republic. One of the earliest nations in Asia to codify principles of democracy, the 1924 constitution laid a foundation of progressive values that remain influential today, writes Amarbayasgalan Dashzegve (pictured), chairman of the Parliament, member of the State Great Hural.

Mongolia’s first constitution, adopted by the First Great Hural (National Assembly) in 1924, was groundbreaking in many respects. Emerging from centuries of feudal rule, this constitution transformed Mongolia into a republic, asserting a model of government based on popular sovereignty, universal suffrage, and equality before the law. As part of these democratic foundations, Mongolia’s constitution recognised religious freedom and ethnic equality, a progressive stance that anticipated a pluralistic society. These initial measures not only represented a profound shift in Mongolia’s governance but, more importantly, represented an inspiring step for Asia, where democratic governance was still rare.

As we celebrate this day and how far we’ve progressed, we should remember that the journey to greater parliamentary representation and a better-functioning democracy is never finished. This is why, on the 100th anniversary of our constitution, we look to the future. With the support of our democratic ‘third neighbour’ partners, we will continue to strengthen our democracy under the ‘Parliament 2.0’ initiative.

Today, I am more committed than ever to upholding our democratic constitution. It is the very fabric of Mongolia’s identity and independence. It is why I have continued to implement the ‘Parliament 2.0’ initiatives – ensuring that future generations of Mongolians continue to experience our thriving social democracy.

The ‘Parliament 2.0’ initiative is a comprehensive reform package aimed at transforming the Great Hural and strengthening Mongolian democracy. This initiative seeks to make Mongolia’s Parliament more inclusive, adaptable, and effective, with the impact of these reforms already visible. In the most recent General Election, held in July, new constitutional amendments were implemented, expanding the Great Hural from 76 to 126 seats and introducing proportional representation for 48 seats.

As a result, this Parliament is one of the most diverse in Mongolia’s history, with 25.4% women and representation from various ethnic backgrounds, including the first Kazakh woman and the first members with disabilities. It is a modern legislative body that reflects Mongolia’s commitment to building a modern, representative, and stable governance system.

Importantly, these constitutional amendments are the fledging first steps – not the end result. Continuing forward, the ‘Parliament 2.0’ initiative will be guided by the “Three Pillars of Excellence,” a reflection of Mongolia’s aspirations for responsive governance in a modern world.

The first pillar, ‘People-Centered Legislation,’ focuses on enacting laws that prioritise citizens’ rights, upholding human dignity, and protecting individual welfare. The second, ‘Responsive Legislation for Modern Challenges,’ recognises the need for adaptive laws in areas like digital currencies, e-commerce, and new technologies, all of which are reshaping the global economy. The third pillar, ‘A Comprehensive and Clear Legal Framework,’ aims to simplify legal language and provide transparency, reducing ambiguity and fostering accountability.

As a Mongolian, I’ve always been proud of the moment former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry rightly bestowed the title of ‘oasis of democracy’ upon us. It demonstrated that, despite our location and size, democratic governance can flourish in the unlikeliest of places. So, as we use the centennial celebration to celebrate the history of our thriving democracy, it is also an opportunity to strengthen ties with those who have helped support us on our journey – our ‘third neighbours.’

These ‘third neighbours’ are those nations beyond our physical geographical borders with which we have developed strategic partnerships in the fields of trade, technology, and, importantly, democracy. Over the last few years, the Great Hural has been actively strengthening partnerships with parliaments across the world, with recent delegations visiting Italy and the EU to share information and best practices on drafting legislation and scrutinising government. This coincides with our representation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, recently held in Geneva, and the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) hosted in Ulaanbaatar last year. An opportunity we used to raise important issues such as equal gender representation within political parties and ensuring young people are provided the opportunity to have their voices heard in politics.

We are proud to describe fellow democracies across the globe as our strategic ‘third neighbours.’ With the advancement of legislative reforms under the Parliament 2.0 initiative, these relationships are likely to play an even more significant role in providing economic support, technical assistance, and policy expertise. Yet, Mongolia’s efforts to engage democratic allies are not merely about political alignment. They reflect an aspiration for a globalised democratic future based on the founding principles of our constitution, where governance, trade, and innovation thrive in an open and cooperative environment.

Mongolia’s celebration of its constitutional centenary is a remarkable testament to the endurance of democratic ideals. For 100 years, the country has nurtured a commitment to popular sovereignty, civil rights, and inclusivity. As it embarks on a new chapter with the ‘Parliament 2.0’ initiatives, Mongolia is showing the world that a small, landlocked nation can be a powerful advocate for democracy.

Mongolia’s legacy, cemented in the principles of its 1924 Constitution, serves as a reminder that democracy is not defined by borders or size. With the support of its third neighbours and a renewed commitment to responsive governance, Mongolia is prepared to continue leading as an oasis of democracy in Asia, offering hope and partnership to democratic nations worldwide.