Mongolian President Vetoes Parliament's Prime Minister Dismissal Over Procedural Irregularities

Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa vetoed parliament’s Oct. 17 resolution to dismiss Prime Minister Gombojav Zandanshatar, citing procedural irregularities such as an incorrect voting formula and questions over quorum and attendance. The dismissal motion, approved by roughly 64% of lawmakers after weeks of infighting and a dispute over a policy changing mineral exporters’ tax treatment, had escalated political tensions in the resource-rich country. The veto was read by presidential chief of staff A. Uilstuguldur and invoked the president’s constitutional right to block parliamentary decisions within five working days. The presidential veto will be reviewed under the statutory framework, with parliament given an opportunity to reconsider and Mongolia’s constitutional court scheduled to discuss the matter, leaving the political divide unresolved. Zandanshatar, a member of the ruling Mongolian People’s Party who formerly served as Khurelsukh’s chief of staff, remains in office while the legal and political processes play out.