Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Patrick Wintour Diplomatic editor

‘We are being silenced’: Mongolian politicians face jail after vote calling for PM to resign

Zandanshatar standing, smiling and holding his arm out to Bulgantuya, who is seated
The prime minister, Zandanshatar Gombojav (right), with the then deputy speaker, Bulgantuya Khürelbaatar, after the vote in October 2025. Photograph: Byambasuren Byamba-Ochir/AFP/Getty Images

A number of younger Mongolian politicians, including many women, are facing the threat of extended jail sentences for their role in challenging the country’s political leadership, in what they claim are early skirmishes in a battle to prevent a slide into authoritarianism.

The dispute forms part of a factional power struggle in the ruling party that is threatening to weaken Mongolia, one of the few democracies in the region, as it seeks to navigate a foreign policy independent of neighbouring Russia and China.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.