Ulaanbaatar (AP) – The ruling Mongolia People’s Party (MPP) has secured a slim majority in the parliamentary election, with the opposition gaining significant ground. Preliminary results suggest that the MPP won 68 to 70 seats in the newly expanded 126-seat parliament.

Prime Minister Confirms Victory
Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai announced early Saturday that his party’s victory was clear despite the challenges of collecting votes from remote areas. “We have won the election,” he declared, based on near-complete results.

A Shift in Power Dynamics
The 2020 elections saw the MPP win 62 out of 76 seats. This year, the parliament has increased to 126 seats, diluting the MPP’s dominance. The opposition Democratic Party made substantial gains, securing around 40 seats, reflecting voter dissatisfaction with the ruling party.

A New Era of Mongolian Democracy
Luvsannamsrai acknowledged the diverse representation in the new parliament, calling it a “new page” for Mongolian democracy. He welcomed the criticisms from various parties, emphasizing the importance of diverse opinions in a democratic system.

Expert Analysis
Julian Dierkes from the University of British Columbia noted the surprising success of the Democratic Party, attributing it to a desire for new leadership rather than a shift in policy. Despite internal challenges, the opposition’s performance signals a significant political shift.

Voter Sentiments and Turnout
Turnout reached 69.3%, with polling stations in Ulaanbaatar witnessing steady voter activity. However, some younger voters expressed disappointment, citing a lack of meaningful change despite political promises.

Challenges and Future Prospects
Corruption, unemployment, and inflation remain critical issues for voters. Additionally, environmental concerns, particularly water scarcity in the Gobi Desert, were highlighted by herders and residents. The MPP faces ongoing challenges in addressing these pressing issues.