Political situation Successful system changeover

    Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, on which Mongolia had been fully dependent, it was quick to develop democratic and market structures in a peaceful manner. Since 1990, free and fair parliamentary elections have been held on a regular basis, while changes of government have proceeded peacefully.

    Sushbaatar Square in Ulan Bator, Mongolia

    Sushbaatar Square in Ulan Bator, Mongolia

    The Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI), which measures the progress towards democracy and a market economy in 137 developing and transition countries, ranked Mongolia first (alongside Armenia) in the Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia region in 2024. In the regional governance index, Mongolia ranked second (just below Ukraine).

    Human rights in Mongolia are enshrined in the constitution and are largely respected. The country has an active civil society with a large number of citizens’ movements and self-help initiatives.

    Among the challenges the country faces is the government’s low administrative capacity. In parts, political action is also marked by personal business interests and lobbying activities.

    There is need for reform both with regard to economic policy, which is not yet sufficiently aligned with environmental sustainability, and with regard to social policy, which needs to focus more on poor and vulnerable population groups than it has in the past.

    Mongolia has published development strategies that are closely aligned with the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals. The goals set out in these strategies include further diversifying the economy, promoting vocational training, alleviating poverty, improving healthcare, protecting the environment and combating corruption.


    The challenge of corruption

    There is more and more awareness in Mongolian politics and among the public of how much the country’s development is being hampered by corruption. Anti-corruption laws have been adopted, monitoring bodies have been created and the digitalisation of business processes promoted. This increases transparency and makes it easier to identify instances of corruption. Despite these positive developments, however, the non-governmental organisation Transparency International still ranked Mongolia 121st out of 180 countries listed on its 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index. More reforms are needed and cases of corruption need to be prosecuted with due vigour.

    As at: 20/06/2024