3,556,800 people
Source: Tyranny Tracker
HRF classifies Mongolia as democratic.
After seven decades under Soviet influence, Mongolia underwent a peaceful democratic revolution in 1990 that ended single-party communist rule and ushered in its democratic transition. The country adopted a new constitution in 1992 that established a multiparty semi-presidential system and enshrined civil liberties and competitive elections. Since then, Mongolia has had 18 governments, making it one of the most politically unstable countries in East Asia. Its political landscape remains characterized by volatility, corruption scandals, and patronage politics. Recent concerns over judicial independence, constitutional amendments expanding presidential powers, and public frustration with inequality have additionally raised questions about the resilience of existing institutions. Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh of the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP), one of the country’s two major parties, has held the presidency since June 2021, succeeding Battulga Khaltmaa of the opposition Democratic Party (DP). He was also Prime Minister from October 2017 to January 2021, when a corruption scandal led to his resignation. Along with his cabinet, Gombojavyn Zandashatar of the MPP assumed the prime ministership in June 2025.
National elections are largely free and fair. Both the President and the Parliament are elected by popular vote. Equality in campaigning is a recurring concern, especially since the 2020 general elections, due to growing financial disparities between bigger and smaller parties. The two major parties are the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) and the Democratic Party (DP), which dominate the political landscape, often take turns winning elections, and are more well-resourced compared to small parties. There are occasional concerns about the independence of the election management body. Despite this, Mongolia’s elections are generally considered free and fair.
Independent media, political leaders, civil society leaders, organizations, and regular people are largely free to openly criticize or challenge the government. Mongolia has a robust civil society and protest culture. However, the MPP government has overseen an escalation in the targeting of journalists reporting on politically sensitive topics.
Institutions are somewhat independent but frequently constrained by the government in a way that enables it to repress criticism and significantly weaken or dismantle accountability mechanisms. Judicial independence in Mongolia has been weakened despite reforms, as political actors retain significant influence over judicial appointments and prosecutorial powers. Courts have failed to curb government repression, exemplified by harsh sentences against critics. High-level corruption cases remain unresolved due to a deferential judiciary and political tensions. Constitutional and institutional reforms have fueled an ongoing constitutional crisis and undermined the ability of the executive, legislature, and judiciary to uphold accountability and operate effectively.
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