Mongolia stands at a critical juncture as it heads into parliamentary elections on June 28, 2024. The dominance of the ruling Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) faces a serious challenge. While the MPP is still likely to retain power, gone are the days of lopsided landslide victories that granted them unrestrained control. The MPP’s narrowing popularity opens the door for opposition parties and reformist voices to shake up the status quo.
Several factors explain the MPP’s decline. Despite a booming economy driven by coal exports to China, ordinary Mongolians feel left behind. Corruption remains a top voter concern, with numerous scandals involving MPP politicians lining their pockets through shady deals.
Voters are outraged by the widening gap between the wealthy elites and the poor majority. They want accountability and penalties for high-level corruption among the political and business classes.