Mongolia’s Ruling Party Shaken by Dramatic Election
The ruling Mongolian People’s Party (MPP), which will shape the political landscape of the coming years, has chosen a new chairman. After 20 hours of deliberation, the majority of delegates at the MPP’s National Committee meeting backed State Great Khural (Parliament) Speaker D.Amarbayasgalan.
His main rival in the election was Prime Minister G.Zandanshatar. Since two members of the three-person National Security Council were competing against each other, the contest was highly charged from the start. Both sides used social media and press conferences to attack one another, releasing various statements and documents that drew wide public attention. Ultimately, the decision rested with the 428 delegates of the National Committee.
According to party rules, a chairman must be elected with two-thirds of the committee’s votes. Candidates faced questions from members in a debate-style format, presenting and defending their platforms throughout the day. When the vote was held, 58% of delegates supported D.Amarbayasgalan. Under the rules adopted at the beginning of the meeting, a candidate who received a majority but fell short of two-thirds had to undergo a second round of voting to confirm their election or else the decision would be deferred to a party congress.
Sources report that many of G.Zandanshatar’s supporters boycotted the second round, complicating the process. Nevertheless, among the remaining 321 delegates, 85.7% voted for D.Amarbayasgalan, securing his election as party chairman. Former Prime Minister L.Oyun-Erdene then ceremonially handed over the party’s seal and insignia.
It should be noted that complaints may emerge in the coming days, including allegations of procedural violations and irregularities in the meeting records. The Supreme Court will decide within 30 days whether to officially register the new party leader. Observers note that the Democratic Party, the main opposition, has repeatedly failed to elect a leader due to internal disputes, and some fear the MPP could face similar difficulties. However, meeting chairs and several delegates stressed that everything was conducted in line with party regulations.
This autumn, political dynamics in Mongolia are set to take a new turn. Having led the party to three consecutive electoral victories over the past eight years, D.Amarbayasgalan now has the chance to become the next Prime Minister. If so, the key question will be who replaces him as Speaker of Parliament. He must also form his cabinet and restructure the party’s leadership. Above all, his toughest task will be to reunite the divided party, regain public support, and secure victory in the 2028 elections.
For former Speaker G.Zandanshatar, who suffered a surprising defeat in the Khangai region during the last parliamentary elections, the outcome is a major setback. Despite having the support of the President, he was unable to consolidate control of the party. The future of his political career is now uncertain, although many analysts had previously considered him the most likely MPP candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
As a side note, the MPP has scheduled its party congress for November 15.
