In a show of solidarity, all Mongolia’s media agencies have boycotted a press conference announced by the ruling Mongolian People’s Party (MPP). The event which was scheduled today (20 December) was to present the results of the party conference which has been taking place at the Independence Palace. The media agencies are protesting at the MPP for violating journalists’ rights and not allowing them to enter the Independence Palace during the conference. Mongolia’s journalists have accused the MPP members of spreading one-sided news.

Yesterday evening (19 December), MPP held its Congress at Independence Palace. The MPP Congress took place in closed session following speeches by PM U.Khurelsukh, and party leader and Speaker of Parliament M.Enkbold. The Congress has been attended by 66.7 percent of its 396 members.

The past months have seen the MPP rocked by various scandals including alleged corruption, cronyism, resignations and demands for the PM and the Speaker to stand down.