Tsogtgerel Odon Elected Chairman of the Democratic Party of Mongolia

Democratic Party of Mongolia

The Democratic Party of Mongolia convened an extraordinary session of its National Policy Committee on August 31, 2025, to elect a new party chairman. Following a two-round voting process, Member of Parliament and head of the Democratic Party's parliamentary group, Tsogtgerel Odon, was elected as the new party leader.

Election Process and Results

The election featured four candidates:

Tsogtgerel Odon, MP and parliamentary group leader, Purevdorj Bukhchuluun, Bayarmaa Judag, Otgonbat Barkhuu.

In the first round, 314 members of the National Policy Committee cast their votes. The results were as follows:

Tsogtgerel Odon: 196 votes, Purevdorj Bukhchuluun: 82 votes, Bayarmaa Judag: 33 votes, Otgonbat Barkhuu: 3 votes.

With the lowest vote count, Otgonbat Barkhuu was eliminated. A second-round runoff was scheduled among the remaining three candidates. However, before the vote, both Purevdorj Bukhchuluun and Bayarmaa Judag withdrew their candidacies, effectively clearing the way for Tsogtgerel Odon to be confirmed as chairman unopposed.

According to Democratic Party procedures, this decision by the National Policy Committee must be formally ratified by the party's Congress. This step is typically a formality, but it remains a crucial part of the party’s internal democratic process.

Tsogtgerel's Remarks and Vision

In his acceptance speech, Tsogtgerel emphasized the importance of long-term vision and resilience in politics.

"The Democratic Party must be ambitious to win not just once, but repeatedly. The DP has many heroes," he said, invoking the party’s legacy and its role in Mongolia’s democratic development.

Background: Tsogtgerel Odon

Tsogtgerel Odon brings a blend of business acumen and political experience to his new role:

• Current MP in the Great State Khural (Parliament), elected for the second time

• Serving as head of the Democratic Party’s parliamentary group since 2022

• Former advisor to the Prime Minister

• Long-time leader of the Democratic Party’s branch in Uvs Province

• Director and President of Teso Corporation, a major Mongolian conglomerate operating in sectors such as food production, logistics, and energy

His election marks a generational shift within the party, with hopes of unifying its often-fragmented factions and preparing for the upcoming 2026 parliamentary elections.

Looking Ahead

Tsogtgerel faces the task of revitalizing the Democratic Party, which has struggled in recent election cycles amid internal divisions and public dissatisfaction. As party leader, his immediate priorities are expected to include:

• Strengthening grassroots party organization

• Rebuilding public trust

• Positioning the party as a credible alternative in the 2026 elections

• Modernizing the party’s platform to address economic challenges, youth issues, and governance reforms

The formal ratification of his chairmanship by the party Congress is expected in the coming weeks.