Politics
Alleged Campaign Violations Surface in Local By-Elections as MPP Sweeps Provincial Seats
Published: 2026-06-27
Mongolia’s June 21 local by-elections concluded with the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) winning all nine provincial council mandates contested, amid allegations of campaign-law breaches in multiple aimags. In Ovorkhangai’s Yesonzuil, an event featuring a concert and prize lottery was advertised during the campaign period, which the law treats as prohibited mass promotion. In Uvs, newly elected MPP representative O. Barsuren transferred his company to his son days before the vote, raising conflict-of-interest concerns, while voter rolls reportedly grew by about 800 compared to 2024 and unverified reports alleged cash handouts. In Darkhan-Uul’s Khongor, gift packages were allegedly distributed by the mother of MPP candidate M. Davaadalai, prompting a police complaint. “This reflects that citizens continue to place their trust in us” - Y. Sodbaatar, MPP Secretary-General (isee.mn) “The ruling party may have used state resources, voter transfers and money to sway the vote” - S. Bayartsogt, DP Secretary-General (isee.mn)
Coverage:
MPP Outreach in Darkhan-Uul Elevates “Sunny Mongolian Herder” Program as Herders Seek Value-Added Solutions
Published: 2026-06-27
During the MPP’s nationwide “Ardyn Nam–Ard Tümendee” campaign stop in Orkhon soum, Darkhan-Uul aimag, party leaders and government officials met herders who pressed for comprehensive solutions to pasture degradation, depressed raw material prices, weak product sales, infrastructure gaps, and limited support for young herders. Participants said expectations are high for the government’s forthcoming “Sunny Mongolian Herder” program to raise household incomes, channel livestock raw materials into higher-value economic use, and stimulate local manufacturing. MPP Secretary L. Dashdemberel underscored that livestock development should shift from raw material supply to value-added production with export potential, and pledged to reflect public input in policy decisions. The discussion signals a policy push toward modernizing Mongolia’s livestock value chain, with implications for wool, cashmere, meat, and hides processing, as well as rural infrastructure and finance targeting herder households.
Coverage:
Published: 2026-06-27
Mongolia’s Independent Authority Against Corruption has completed an investigation into former Education Loan Fund (ELF) director D. Gardi, with prosecutors issuing an indictment and sending the case to court. Gardi, who studied in Russia on an ELF loan in 2014–2016, allegedly used a March 14, 2022 ministerial order to discharge his own US$32,000 loan, then instructed the Bayanzurkh district registry on April 20, 2022 to release his collateral. Investigators also say he authorized transfers totaling US$87,700 to certain borrowers and approved 796.6 million MNT in performance bonuses, benefiting himself. Prosecutors classified the case under Criminal Code Article 22.1 (abuse of office), which carries penalties ranging from public service disqualification and travel restrictions to one–five years’ imprisonment. A personal guarantee has been imposed as a preventive measure while the case proceeds to trial.
Coverage:
Infrastructure
Fifth Thermal Power Plant Project Advances with Major Ash Removal and Equipment Orders
Published: 2026-06-27
Construction preparations for the 300 MW Fifth Thermal Power Plant in Ulaanbaatar are advancing under a public–private partnership. The project aims to bolster electricity and heating reliability as demand rises in the city’s western districts. Crews have removed 102,975 cubic meters of ash accumulated at the Thermal Power Plant No. 2 site since 1961. Key concrete foundation works— including bases for the batching plant’s belt conveyor, bunker, and truck scale—are completed. Land clearance has progressed on 25 of 26 parcels. Engineering geology and geotechnical drilling are finished, and orders have been placed for core equipment: boiler, turbine, generator, and transformer. The PPP spans 27 years (2.5 years construction, 25 years operation), with commissioning targeted for 2028 as outlined in the feasibility study. The scope covers main and auxiliary systems, controls, and related infrastructure.
Coverage:
Society
Khuree Tsam–Danshig 2026 Opens at Hui Doloon Khudag with Free Bus Service and Full Cultural Program
Published: 2026-06-27
Ulaanbaatar’s Khuree Tsam–Danshig 2026 opened today at Hui Doloon Khudag for a two-day program (June 27–28) combining Buddhist rituals, traditional sports, and cultural showcases. Organizers highlighted the historic Tsam ceremony and offerings by Gandantegchinlen Monastery alongside national wrestling, archery, ankle-bone games, folk performances, and craft and food fairs. City authorities are running free public buses to the venue on both days from 07:00–23:00 on two routes (HUI7:1 Central Stadium–Hui 7 Khudag; HUI7:2 MNUE–Hui 7 Khudag) with 16 vehicles to ease congestion; open-air unlicensed vending is prohibited. Wrestling began today at 13:00 with up to 256 ranked wrestlers registered, led by State Lion E. Oyunbold; the third round concluded on day one, with the fourth round set for 15:00 tomorrow before finals and the awards and closing ceremony. The festival targets both residents and tourists.
Coverage:
Environment
Joint Nationwide Inspections Expose 883 Mining Violations, Suspend 14 Operations
Published: 2026-06-27
Authorities are conducting coordinated inspections across the mining sector to strengthen legal compliance and environmental protection under the Prime Minister’s Order No. 10 (2026) and directives from the State Emergency Commission. Teams led by Deputy Prime Minister and State Emergency Commission head N. Nomtoibayar, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ts. Sandag-Ochir, and Commission Secretary Col. T. Bayarkhuu reviewed progress on-site. In Tuv aimag, 38 companies were checked and eight fined for missing environmental documentation and failing basic obligations; inspections continue in Zaamar. In eight aimags, 141 firms were inspected, 281 violations identified, and fines of MNT 44.5 million imposed. In Ulaanbaatar, 130 licence holders were reviewed (65 active); six firms were fined MNT 25.3 million and eight cases remain under review. Nationwide, 134 entities faced checks, revealing 883 violations, 17 cases referred for criminal investigation, and 14 operations partially or fully suspended.
Coverage:
River Levels Rise 10–20 cm in Terelj and Tuul; Additional Increases Forecast for June 28
Published: 2026-06-27
As of June 27, water levels along the Terelj and Tuul rivers—originating on the western slopes of the Khentii range—have risen 10–20 cm from the previous day. Multiple rivers remain in flood stage: Orkhon (near Sukhbaatar), Yeruu (Yeruu and Dulaanhaan), Terelj, Tuul (Ulaanbaatar), Sugnugur, Balj, Onon (Dadal), Kherlen (Mungunmorit and Baganuur), and Khovd (Myangad) are 5–65 cm above flood level. The Khuder River is 10 cm above its dangerous flood threshold. Forecasts for June 28 indicate an additional 10 cm rise on the Tuul near Ulaanbaatar and Altanbulag, and 5 cm on the Kherlen near Ondorkhaan. Authorities warn residents, herders, farmers, businesses, and travelers to avoid riverbanks, supervise children closely, and not enter rivers using flotation devices. Urban low-lying areas and travel corridors near waterways may face short-notice disruptions.
Coverage:
Selbe River Overtops Banks, Endangering MNT 6.2 Billion Landscaping Works After Project Delays
Published: 2026-06-27
Light rains in Ulaanbaatar caused the Selbe River to overtop its banks, threatening MNT 6.2 billion in unfinished landscaping under a long-running river improvement project. Following the 2023 flood, a 1.4 km flood-protection wall from the Dund River headwaters to Natur Bridge was completed in September 2025 by Bilguun Construction LLC using MNT 20 billion from the city budget. Landscaping—paths, bike lanes, greenery, and lighting—was contracted to Silla Group but has been delayed beyond a planned June completion. The project’s technical-economic study and working designs were prepared by Prestige Engineering LLC under a contract with the City Planning and Research Institute, reportedly costing about MNT 520 million. Sector experts previously warned that flood walls alone are insufficient, urging seepage-control structures and a reservoir.
“With construction since 2005 narrowing the Selbe’s channel, retaining walls are the only viable option; high rectangular sections are standard in developed countries.” - Sh. Ganzorig, CEO, Prestige Engineering LLC (isee.mn)
Coverage:
Innovation
Educator Criticizes Plan to Curb Private School Upfront Fees, Citing Deeper Sector Crisis
Published: 2026-06-27
TEE Education founder B. Bilguun sharply criticized Education Minister L. Enkh-Amgalan’s stance that private schools should be restricted from collecting annual tuition upfront and earning bank interest on those funds. He argues the approach targets the private sector rather than addressing systemic failures, contending it is a populist move that undermines private schools that help share the state’s load. Bilguun highlights more urgent problems: acute teacher shortages, underused laboratories, significant learning loss, and diplomas losing value in the labor market. He warns policy focus on tuition mechanics risks further destabilizing the education system instead of fixing core deficiencies. The dispute underscores tensions over the role of private providers in Mongolia’s education landscape and raises questions about whether the ministry will prioritize teacher capacity and quality improvements over fee controls.
Coverage:
Sports
Khuree Tsam–Danshig 2026 Opens with 224 Wrestlers and 810 Archers in Ulaanbaatar
Published: 2026-06-27
Ulaanbaatar’s Khuree Tsam–Danshig 2026 religious-cultural festival launched its wrestling and archery events, drawing broad participation and higher competitive standards than recent years. In traditional wrestling, 224 athletes registered, including national titleholders led by Arslan E. Oyunbold and Zaans B. Batmunkh, D. Anar, and B. Soronzonbold. Rounds 1–3 began with notable early exits for some titled wrestlers, and international entrants from Italy and Tuva appeared in the opening round. Archery features 810 competitors (501 men, 309 women) over two days, each shooting 20 arrows at Khana and 20 at Khasaa targets, with aggregate scores determining the top 10. The field includes three Darkhan Mergen, three Dayaard Duursakh Mergen, five Dayan Mergen, 16 National Mergen, and 44 other nationally titled archers. The event, part of Ulaanbaatar Citizens’ Day, underscores sustained public engagement in Mongolia’s heritage sports.
Coverage: