Election Date: May 22, 2005

Abstract: At stake: President

At stake: President

Background

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - For 70 years, modern-day Mongolia functioned as a one-party state. In 1990, a series of public demonstrations led to the resignation of the Soviet-inspired government. A new constitution was introduced in 1992, which allowed democratic elections for the first time. The communist Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) remained as the most popular political organization, with 71 lawmakers in the 76-seat legislative branch.

In 1993, Punsalmaagiyn Ochirbat—a former communist who ran as the candidate for the democratic opposition—was elected in the first multi-party presidential ballot. In 1996, the Mongolian National Democratic Party (MNDP) formed a government after winning 50 seats in the State Great Hural, but members of the communist MPRP were able to stall legislation by denying a quorum.

In 1997, MPRP chairman Natsagiyn Bagabandi won the presidential vote, eventually earning a new four-year term in 2001 with 57.9 per cent of all cast ballots. The communists regained control of the State Great Hural in 2000, electing 72 lawmakers. Nambaryn Enkhbayar was then appointed as prime minister.

Mongolia relies heavily on bilateral trade with Russia and China. In the past few years, the country has tried to expand its ties with foreign entities, most notably Japan, the United States and the European Union (EU).

In 2004, Mongolian voters renewed the Great State Hural. After the election, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj of the Motherland Democratic Coalition (MDC) became the country's prime minister. Elbegdorj served as head of government for a brief period in 1998.

Click here for Mongolia 2004 State Great Hural Election Tracker

2005 Presidential Election

On Mar. 29, more than 1,000 protesters took to the streets in Ulan Bator to demand a new election to the Great State Hural. Prime minister Tsakhilganiin Elbegdorj addressed the nation on television, and appealed for calm.

On Apr. 7, the presidential campaign officially began with four candidates. Two former prime ministers are expected to be the main contenders in the election. Mendsayhany Enkhsaikhan of the Mongolian Democratic Party (MDP) headed the government from July 1996 to April 1998. Nambaryn Enkhbayar of the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) acted as prime minister from July 2000 to August 2004, and currently serves as parliamentary speaker.

The Civil Will Republican Party (CWRP) decided not to register any candidates. Bazarsad Jargalsaikhan is representing the Republican Party (RP) and Badarch Erdenebat was chosen by the Motherland Party (MP).

Voting went on without any major problems on May 22. Official results were released on May 23. Enkhbayar was declared the winner with 53.4 per cent of all cast ballots, followed by Enkhsaikhan with 19.7 per cent, Jargalsaikhan with 13.9 per cent, and Erdenebat with 11.4 per cent. The new head of state vowed to "reduce poverty and joblessness" and "work to push the government to make these key issues." Turnout was tabled at 74.9 per cent.

On Jun. 24, Enkhbayar was sworn in as president.

Political Players

President: Nambaryn Enkhbayar - MPRP
Prime minister: Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj - MDC

The president is elected to a four-year term by the popular vote.

Legislative Branch: The Ulsyn Ikh-Khural (State Great Hural) has 76 members, elected to four-year terms in single-seat constituencies.

Results of Last Election:

President - May 22, 2005

	Vote%
Nambaryn Enkhbayar - Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP)	53.4%
Mendsayhany Enkhsaikhan - Mongolian Democratic Party (MDP)	19.7%
Bazarsad Jargalsaikhan - Republican Party (RP)	13.9%
Badarch Erdenebat - Motherland Party (MP)	11.4%

State Great Hural - Jun. 27, 2004
(Official results after Jul. 17 re-vote)

	Seats
Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP)	37
Motherland Democratic Coalition (MDC) Mongolian Democratic Party (MDP) Mongolian New Democratic Socialist Party (MNDSP) Civil Will Republican Party (CWRP)	34
New Choice Coalition (NCC) Republican Party (RP) Mongolian United Party (MUP) Mongolian National Coalition United Party (MNCUP) Mongolian Liberal Party (MLP) Mongolian Traditional United Party (MTUP)	1
Independents	3
Undecided	1

Full Report (PDF)

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