Mongolia to hold presidential election
Mongolians will elect their next President today.
Voter will choose between former Prime Minister Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh of the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP), Sodnomzunduin Erdene of the Democratic Party and the National Labour Party’s Dangaasurengiin Enkhbat. Khurelsukh’s run for head of state comes months after stepping down from his role as PM following public unrest—a position he secured in a landslide victory for the MPP only a year ago.
With limited polling figures, a clear favorite is yet to emerge, so a second round of voting is likely. Whilst the president holds little legislative authority, Khurelsukh and the MPP’s anti-corruption drive—a ploy to consolidate their own political power—hinges on the appointments of key judicial figures made by the head of state. Khurelsukh’s narrative of his resignation as a gesture of accountability will likely secure votes from the MPP’s voter base. A fractured Democratic Party, following an attempt by incumbent President Khaltmaa to illegally contest the election, is unlikely to win a majority. Additionally, Khurelsukh’s stepping down placed in power a young, overseas educated leader in Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene.
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