1. Early Life and Background
Miyegombyn Enkhbold's early life laid the foundation for his later career in public service and politics.
1.1. Birth and Family
Miyegombyn Enkhbold was born on 19 July 1964. He is married and has two children, who are part of his close family.
1.2. Education
Enkhbold completed his secondary education in 1982. He subsequently commenced his higher education in 1983, culminating in an undergraduate diploma from the National University of Mongolia in 1987. His academic specialization was in centrally planned economy, a field that was highly relevant during Mongolia's socialist era and its subsequent transition.
1.3. Early Career
Following his graduation in 1987, Enkhbold embarked on his professional career as an economist. He began working with the Services Office of the Executive Authority of the Assembly of People's Deputies of Ulaanbaatar. In 1989, he advanced to a specialist role within the Department of Planning and Service Mechanics of the Public Services Ministry. Demonstrating his growing expertise in municipal affairs, he returned to the Ulaanbaatar municipal Services Office in 1991, this time as its head. These early roles provided him with a deep understanding of urban administration and public service, setting the stage for his subsequent political engagements.
2. Political Career
Miyegombyn Enkhbold's political career spans several decades, encompassing significant roles at both municipal and national levels, as well as within the Mongolian People's Party.
2.1. Entry into Politics and Municipal Roles
Enkhbold formally joined the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP), the predecessor of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP), in 1990. This period was a pivotal moment in Mongolian history, as it marked the resignation of the MPRP Politburo and the commencement of the democratic process in the country.
His early political appointments were predominantly at the local government level within Ulaanbaatar. From 1992 to 1996, the MPRP appointed him as a Deputy Governor of the Chingeltei District of Ulaanbaatar. Following this, he served as the Chairman of the Presidium of the Chingeltei District Khural of Citizens Representatives from 1996 to 1997. His influence within the party's municipal branch grew, leading to his appointment as the chairman of the MPRP's Council in Ulaanbaatar, a position he held from 1997 to 2005.
In 1999, Enkhbold was elected as Mayor of Ulaanbaatar by the city's People's Representative's Hural, which was then dominated by the MPRP. During his tenure as mayor, he focused on addressing the city's well-documented housing shortage by working to re-allocate brownfield land in central Ulaanbaatar for development. This initiative was a significant effort to improve urban living conditions and address critical infrastructure needs.
2.2. Party Leadership
Miyegombyn Enkhbold's ascent within the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) began in 2005. He actively contributed to the presidential campaign of Nambaryn Enkhbayar that year. When Enkhbayar successfully became the President of Mongolia, he vacated the position of Chairman of the MPRP. Enkhbold was subsequently chosen as his successor, being elected party chairman on January 21, 2006, a position he held until October 2007.
The party underwent a significant transformation in 2010, dropping the word "Revolutionary" from its name to become the Mongolian People's Party (MPP). Enkhbold continued to exert influence within the party structure. After the MPP faced a defeat in the 2012 Mongolian legislative election, he played a crucial role in the party's reorganization and future strategies. He was elected twice as the party chairman during the 27th Congress of the Mongolian People's Party, demonstrating his enduring support and influence within the party.
2.3. National Government Roles
Enkhbold's entry into national government leadership occurred in January 2006 when he was appointed Prime Minister of Mongolia. This appointment followed a significant political upheaval: the MPRP decided to withdraw from the ruling coalition, leading to the resignation of its ten ministers. This created a situation where more than half of the ministerial positions were vacant, compelling the parliament to dissolve the government, effectively removing Prime Minister Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj from power. The MPRP strategically positioned itself for this move, gaining a majority in parliament through the defection of a Democratic Party (DP) member and the support of four other DP members who later received ministerial positions. In this new political configuration, and with the nomination from President Enkhbayar, parliament approved Enkhbold as the new prime minister on January 25, 2006.
He served as Prime Minister until November 2007. Enkhbold submitted his resignation to parliament on November 5, 2007, which was accepted on November 8. He continued in the role until Sanjaagiin Bayar was elected as the new prime minister on November 22, 2007. Following his premiership, Enkhbold was appointed Deputy Prime Minister on December 5, 2007, serving in Bayar's government until 2012.
2.4. Parliamentary Leadership
After the MPP's defeat in the 2012 general election, Miyegombyn Enkhbold was appointed as the Vice Chairman of the State Great Khural, Mongolia's parliament. This role maintained his presence in national legislative affairs during a period when his party was in opposition.
A significant political shift occurred in June 2016 when the Mongolian People's Party secured an overwhelming victory in the parliamentary elections, gaining 85% of the seats. Following this landslide win, Enkhbold was elected as the Chairman of the State Great Khural, a position he held from 2016 to 2019. In this capacity, he presided over the legislative body and played a central role in guiding parliamentary proceedings and policy-making.
3. Electoral History
Miyegombyn Enkhbold has participated in several key elections throughout his political career, notably in both legislative and presidential contests. His electoral history reflects his standing within the Mongolian People's Party and the broader political landscape.
In the 2017 Mongolian presidential election, Enkhbold ran as the candidate for the Mongolian People's Party. He advanced to the second round but was ultimately defeated by Khaltmaagiin Battulga of the Democratic Party. The results for his presidential campaign were as follows:
| Election | Office | Term | Party | 1st Round Votes (%) | 1st Round Total Votes | 2nd Round Votes (%) | 2nd Round Total Votes | Result | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Election | President | 5th | Mongolian People's Party | 30.75% | 411,748 | 44.85% | 497,067 | 2nd place | Defeated |
4. Personal Life
Beyond his extensive political engagements, Miyegombyn Enkhbold's personal life includes his family. He is married and is a father to two children.
5. Legacy and Evaluation
Miyegombyn Enkhbold's political career has left a notable impact on Mongolian politics and society, marked by both significant contributions and a degree of controversy.
5.1. Contributions and Achievements
Enkhbold's tenure as Mayor of Ulaanbaatar (1999-2005) is often highlighted for his pragmatic approach to urban development. His initiative to re-allocate brownfield land in central Ulaanbaatar was a direct response to the city's pressing housing shortage. This effort contributed significantly to providing housing solutions for the growing urban population, demonstrating his focus on tangible improvements in citizens' lives.
His leadership within the Mongolian People's Party (MPP), including his two terms as party chairman, was crucial in consolidating the party's influence. Notably, he led the MPP to a decisive victory in the 2016 parliamentary elections, where the party secured an overwhelming 85% of the seats in the State Great Khural. This achievement demonstrated his strategic political acumen and his ability to resonate with the electorate, leading the party back to a dominant position in Mongolian politics. His various roles, including Prime Minister and Chairman of the State Great Khural, also contributed to periods of governmental and legislative stability.
5.2. Criticisms and Controversies
Enkhbold's political career has not been without its share of criticisms and controversies. The circumstances surrounding his appointment as Prime Minister in January 2006 raised questions about political maneuvering. The MPRP's withdrawal from the coalition and the subsequent collapse of the government led by Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, coupled with the defection of Democratic Party members to secure an MPRP majority, were seen by some as a calculated move to seize power. It was reported that some Democratic Party members who supported the change were later rewarded with ministerial positions, which drew criticism regarding political incentives.
Additionally, while his contribution to Nambaryn Enkhbayar's presidential campaign in 2005 was instrumental in Enkhbayar's victory, the nature of these contributions and subsequent power shifts (like Enkhbold taking over the MPRP chairmanship) have been points of discussion in the political landscape. His defeat in the 2017 presidential election, despite advancing to the second round, also represents a significant setback in his political aspirations for the highest office.