Amar Adiya
May 24
The Mongolian People's Party (MPP) has shaken up the political landscape ahead of the June 2024 parliamentary election with a bold move: placing young, academically accomplished, but relatively unknown candidates at the top of their proportional list. This unprecedented move, driven by Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, represents a departure from the traditional strategy of prioritizing established politicians, and has sparked a wave of speculation and debate.
The MPP's gamble is aimed at appealing to a younger electorate and shaking off the party's image as a haven for established figures often associated with corruption. By strategically nominating individuals from diverse fields – including engineers, academics, and entrepreneurs – the party seeks to present itself as a force for change, embracing a fresh approach to governance. Notable names include PhD Uyanga, the deputy mining minister, deputy ministers Solongo (Justice) and Mungunchimeg (Finance), IT entrepreneur Anar, trade chamber head Enkhtuvshin, and former Labor Minister Ariunzaya.
While the new faces offer the promise of renewal, a crucial question remains: can they truly bridge the gap between the established political system and the expectations of a generation yearning for change?
The MPP's gamble hinges on the belief that a younger generation, often disillusioned with the status quo and wary of the political establishment, will be drawn to the promise of fresh perspectives and a commitment to reforms. The party hopes to harness this yearning for change and leverage it into electoral success.
However, the path to victory is fraught with potential pitfalls. Critics question whether these newcomers possess the experience and political acumen necessary to navigate the complexities of government. They also point to the risk of these new candidates being perceived as lacking the necessary experience to tackle pressing issues or to connect with voters on a local level.
For example, despite their academic credentials and professional accomplishments, Ganozrigyn Luvsanjamts and Munkhchuluuny Enkhtsetseg, who top the MPP list, appear to reside and work abroad in Japan and Australia respectively according to their LinkedIn profiles.
To offset this risk, the MPP is positioning its 78 constituency candidates – composed of current legislators and cabinet members – as mentors to guide the new crop of candidates. This strategy, however, could reinforce perceptions of the party's old guard maintaining a firm grip on power dynamics. Also, the nomination excluded former Prime Minister Batbold, two cabinet ministers (Bat-Erdene and Bolorchuluun), and several MPs who were under investigation for corruption.
The opposition parties, meanwhile, have largely stuck to their traditional strategies. The Democratic Party (DP), once a formidable force, has struggled to recover from internal conflicts and public perception of corruption scandals. Its nomination process, marked by infighting and last-minute changes, has further undermined its image of a cohesive and effective alternative to the MPP.
The DP's inclusion of former President Battulga, known for his anti-Chinese and pro-Russian stance, on their list may be a strategic move by party leaders to balance internal factions. Although pro-Battulga loyalists didn't receive as many nominations as expected, supporters of Elbegdorj also secured spots, resulting in a mixed bag that attempts to appease both camps.
As the Mongolia election nears, the MPP's unconventional approach has generated a mix of enthusiasm for potential renewal and skepticism over its ability to deliver transformative change. If successful, Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene's position within the party would likely be solidified, paving the way for a more reform-oriented cabinet focused on combating corruption and reining in the influence of powerful business oligarchs.
However, failure to translate this generational shift into tangible policy results could reinforce public disillusionment and embolden the opposition's narrative of opportunistic politicking. With candidate lists still subject to review by the General Election Committee by June 1, last-minute changes could also reshape the campaign's dynamics.