Mongolia: Presidential elections set for June 26

Event

Presidential elections are set to take place on Monday, June 26. The June 2017 election coincides with a number of political challenges for Mongolia. In early May, political parties narrowed down their presidential nominees. Current candidates includes the chairman of the Parliament of Mongolia, Enkhbold Miyegombo from the Mongolia People’s Party (MPP); former MP Battulga Khaltmaa from the Democratic Party (DP); and former president of Mongolia, Enkhbayar Nambar from the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party (MPRP).

The MPP’s victory in the 2016 parliamentary race raises speculation that Chairman Enkhbold has the highest chance of winning the election, despite having been plagued by rumors of bribery and corruption in land reforms and housing projects during his tenure as mayor of the capital city of Ulaanbaatar from 1999 to 2005.

Context

This will be the country’s fifth presidential elections and comes at a fundamental time to shape the future of modern Mongolia.

The Mongolian public is highly discontent with the legal system and is demanding economic stability, employment opportunities, and healthy air quality. An April 2017 public opinion survey report highlighted issues in governance, the economy, foreign policy, national security, unemployment, and justice.

Advice

Individuals present in Mongolia ahead and during the June 2017 presidential elections should stay away from all gatherings, especially in the capital Ulaanbaatar.