Presidents of Mongolia’s two immediate and eternal neighbours came forward with congratulatory messages. Russian President Putin expressed the hope that U. Khurselsukh’s activity as the head of state will further strengthen the relations of a comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and Mongolia. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his readiness to work closely with the Mongolian President for elevating to ever new heights strategic partnership relations between the two countries. Mongolia’s third important neighbor is India and Indian President Ram NathKovind in his congratulatory message noted that “India and Mongolia have a historical connection based on our shared heritage of Buddhism. Our strategic Partnership has made steady progress in the last few years and today our cooperation spans across several sectors. I am confident that under your leadership our two countries will further consolidate and broaden our Partnership.” US President Joe Biden, soon after the new Mongolian President was sworn in, sent a message which said “As we celebrate over thirty-four years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Mongolia, I am proud at how far our relationship has progressed. Looking to the future, I look forward to deepening our strategic partnership as Mongolia’s “Third Neighbour”, building on our shared democratic values.

The Presidential election

Presidential elections, the eighth to date since the country’s transition to democracy in 1990, was held on 9 June 2021 amid fears and speculations around the COVID pandemic cases that has been on the rise in the country and following controversial changes to Mongolia’s constitution that restricted presidents to one term in office.

Presidential election campaigns were low-key marred by Covid-19 restrictions and the much-anticipated ‘Presidential TV Debate” scrapped after one the candidates from the National Labour Party tested positive for the coronavirus.

There were three candidates from the Parliamentary political parties. They were UkhnaagiinKhurelsukh from the ruling Mongolian People’s Party, SodnomzunduinErdene of the opposition Democratic Party and DangaasurengiinEnkhbat of the ‘Right Person’ Electorate Coalition.