Mongolia’s president, Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, exercised parliamentary veto power on October 20, 2025, blocking a resolution to dismiss Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav. The veto highlights the constitutional authority of the president and underscores tensions between the executive and legislative branches.
The State Great Khural had approved the resolution during its October 17 plenary session. A total of 71 lawmakers voted in favor, surpassing the majority threshold required to relieve the prime minister of duties.
However, President Khurelsukh argued the vote contained procedural flaws. He claimed the voting formula was incorrectly applied and attendance was based on the previous day’s roll call rather than being properly verified for the Friday session.
“These procedural flaws constitute a breach of the Constitution and compromise the principle of the rule of law,” the president said in his official veto message. Consequently, the resolution was annulled pending statutory review.
Uilstuguldur Altankhuyag, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Office, confirmed the veto and explained that it now undergoes review according to relevant legal frameworks. He emphasized that the decision reflects adherence to the constitutional process.
The parliamentary veto power exercised by the president reinforces the checks and balances within Mongolia’s political system. Experts note that this action could set a precedent for future interactions between the State Great Khural and the presidency.
Observers also highlighted potential political implications. The veto may intensify debates within the ruling party and among opposition factions. Meanwhile, it reinforces the president’s authority to intervene in legislative procedures when constitutional irregularities arise.
Analysts suggest the parliamentary veto power may prompt lawmakers to strengthen procedural compliance to avoid future disputes. It also illustrates how Mongolia’s governance framework allows the executive to counter legislative decisions perceived as flawed.
Looking ahead, the political landscape remains uncertain. Lawmakers may attempt to revise the resolution or seek alternative measures. The president has maintained that constitutional principles and procedural correctness must guide legislative actions.
This event underscores the critical role of parliamentary veto power in maintaining legal integrity and balancing Mongolia’s executive-legislative relations.
Parliamentary veto power played a decisive role, demonstrating the president’s authority to uphold constitutional processes. It reinforces the legal safeguards that protect governance structures.
Parliamentary veto power, therefore, remains a central element in Mongolia’s political system, shaping both immediate outcomes and future legislative behavior.
Parliamentary veto power continues to influence the balance between executive oversight and parliamentary decision-making in Mongolia.
