Beijing (EFE).- The Constitutional Court of Mongolia declared that the parliamentary vote that removed Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav last week violated the constitution, thereby deepening the political deadlock in the Asian country, state news agency Montsame reported Thursday.
In a hearing held Wednesday, the Full Bench of the top court ruled that parliamentary resolution No. 95, approved on Oct. 17, violated several provisions of the constitution, including those relating to the principle of the rule of law and the procedure for the removal of the prime minister.
According to the ruling, Deputy Speaker Bulgantuya Khurelbaatar, who presided over the session, violated constitutional norms by using an incorrect voting formula and an invalid attendance record, which invalidated the result of the motion.
The court concluded that both the MP’s actions and the resolution itself contradicted the constitution’s provisions on democracy, legality, and supremacy.
The court’s decision effectively upholds the veto issued on Monday by President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh against the prime minister’s dismissal, also due to a violation of parliamentary rules.
Zandanshatar, appointed prime minister in June following the resignation of his predecessor, Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, will be able to remain in office while the political standoff between the executive and legislative branches is resolved.
The ruling comes at a time of strong divisions within the ruling Mongolian People’s Party, which controls parliament, and after months of public discontent over inflation, rising housing prices, and allegations of corruption in public institutions.
The struggle between the president and the reformist sectors of the party could prolong political instability and complicate the economic management of a country dependent on mining and foreign investment, analysts warn. EFE
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