Opposition Parties Form Democratic Coalition

February 27, 2004

February 23 -- A coalition of opposition parties was formed in Mongolia after months of negotiations. Democratic opposition leaders Mr. Erdenebat, Member of Parliament and Chairman of Mongolian Democratic New Socialists Party (MDNSP); Ms. Oyun, Member of Parliament and Chairwoman of Citizens Will-Republican Party (CWRP); and Mr. Enkhsaikhan, former Prime Minister and Chairman of Democratic Party (DP), publicly signed an agreement to form the opposition coalition. IRI Resident Program Director John Poepsel assisted the parties with facilitation of discussion throughout the process.

Since the formation of the agreement, the Coalition has agreed on the allocation of candidates to the 76 parliament seats with 51 to the DP, 20 to the MDNSP and 5 to the CWRP. Seat allocation had been a sticking point in the Coalition negotiation process. Additionally, the Coalition is developing its new platform with plans to launch it within the next two weeks. This newly formed Coalition represents a viable competitor to the long ruling MPRP party, therefore providing a strong multi-party election environment, which should continue to strengthen democracy in Mongolia.

###

A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing democracy worldwide