Left: Dr. Kevin Casas-Zamora and Batzetsgeg Batmunkh
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, Batzetsgeg Batmunkh, during her official visit to Sweden, met with Dr. Kevin Casas-Zamora, who serves as the Secretary-General of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), located in Stockholm. This was reported by MidleAsianNews.
During the meeting, Batzetsgeg emphasized the importance of active cooperation between Mongolia and the international institute and discussed opportunities for further expanding relations through specific projects and programs.
The parties also reached an agreement on cooperation in implementing a resolution regarding enhancing the transparency of financing for electoral candidates, political parties, and election campaigns, which was initiated by Mongolia at the 11th Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption. Additionally, the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of an Asian Reference Center for Election Observation in Ulaanbaatar was discussed.
Batzetsgeg also noted that the global assessments of democracy conducted by the institute, as well as its research and analysis of electoral processes, represent important resources for government structures, academic organizations, and politicians both in Mongolia and other countries, which opens up opportunities for further cooperation.
At the end of the meeting, the minister invited Kevin Casas-Zamora to visit Mongolia.
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1995, representing the interests of states from all continents. Mongolia became a full member of this organization in 2011, and currently, it comprises 35 countries.
In June 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the General Election Commission of Mongolia and International IDEA with the aim of establishing an "Asian Reference Center for Election Observation" in Mongolia.
International IDEA regularly conducts research and publishes reports on the "Global State of Democracy" (GSoD), concerning the state of democracy and electoral reform in Mongolia.
The main goal of IDEA is to promote the improvement of democratic institutions and processes, as well as to deepen understanding of the issues affecting democratic progress. The institute brings together analysts and experts monitoring democratic processes with those directly involved in political reforms and supporting democracy both in their countries and beyond. IDEA works with both new and established democracies, helping to develop democratic institutions and culture. The institute's activities cover international, regional, and national levels, collaborating with various organizations.
