Mongolia's ruling party declares victory in parliamentary elections

By Murat Karadag

Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene declared victory Friday in parliamentary elections.

Oyun-Erdene told reporters that his Mongolian People's Party (MPP) won the general election, according to initial results.

The MPP secured 70 of 126 seats in parliament, said Oyun-Erdene.

Voter turnout was around 69.3% by the time voting ended at 10 p.m. local time Thursday in the Central Asian country that has a population of nearly 3.4 million.

That figure is expected to reach 70% when data from overseas and rural areas are added.

Oyun-Erdene noted a decline in the public's "faith in democracy and trust in the parliament."

"Today marks the beginning of a new 30-year era in Mongolia's history," he said, calling for a new chapter to be opened between the government and the people.

In 2024, 1,336 candidates representing 21 political parties and coalitions vied for 126 seats in parliament, or khural.

Mongolia passed an amendment last year to the Constitution that increased the number of seats to 126 to better reflect the country's political diversity.​​​​​​​

This year, 39% of the candidates were women, the highest percentage in Mongolia's history. A 30% quota has been set for women, and it is planned to be increased to 40% by 2028.

Mongolians living abroad were also able to vote in the election, with more than 13,000 registered.

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz.