Mongolia marks the 36th anniversary of the establishment of its permanent parliament and the opening of its first session on September 13, a milestone widely regarded as a turning point in the country’s transition to democracy and a rule-based system of government.
Parliament Speaker S.Byambatsogt issued a congratulatory message to mark the anniversary, highlighting the historic role of the State Small Khural, Mongolia’s first permanent legislative body, in laying the foundations for the country’s democratic parliamentary system. He noted that Mongolia’s transition from a one-party political system to a multi-party democracy took place during a period of significant political, social and economic uncertainty both domestically and internationally. The adoption of the 1992 Constitution subsequently established the foundations for a society based on human rights and fundamental freedoms.
According to S.Byambatsogt, the State Small Khural established an early model of parliamentary practice based on political pluralism, respect for differing views, open debate and consensus in pursuit of the country’s common interests. He said its members’ commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and freedoms and representing diverse voices remains an example for today’s parliamentarians.
The speaker stressed that the legitimacy of a democratic parliament rests on public trust and that parliamentary continuity requires building on the achievements of previous legislatures while learning from their shortcomings. He emphasized that the ultimate measure of parliamentary performance should be the tangible impact of legislation on people’s lives, alongside effective oversight of how laws are implemented. In this regard, parliament has launched its “Open Parliament” reform program, aimed at strengthening public participation and transparency. As part of the initiative, an “Parliament Is Listening to You” section was introduced on the e-Mongolia public services platform. More than 700 citizens have submitted proposals concerning the implementation of laws and regulations over the past three months, according to the Speaker.
Parliament has also opened an Open Parliament Room at the Parliamentary Secretariat to make it easier for citizens to meet directly with their elected representatives. Since its opening, more than 10 parliamentarians have met with over 250 citizens to hear their concerns and proposals in person. The speaker also highlighted ongoing digital reforms to make parliamentary information more accessible to the public, including voting results, legislative records, members’ questions and responses, public hearing information, attendance records and reports. These measures are intended to enable citizens to monitor the work of parliamentarians more closely and in real time.
S.Byambatsogt stressed that parliament should not merely listen to citizens but also respond to their concerns and create meaningful opportunities for them to participate in decision-making. He said strengthening an open, transparent and accountable parliament that makes evidence-based decisions together with citizens and consistently monitors their implementation is an important responsibility for the current generation of parliamentarians. Concluding his message, the speaker called for the values established by Mongolia’s first permanent parliament to be further developed and passed on to future generations, and extended his congratulations to the people of Mongolia on the 36th anniversary of the establishment of the country’s permanent parliament.
