The president of Mongolia is the executive head of state of Mongolia and commander-in-chief of the Mongolian Armed Forces. The president also chairs the National Security Council, a consultative body to the president on the matters of national security.
After the 1990 Democratic Revolution and the country's first free and fair elections, the office of the President of the Mongolian People's Republic (MPR) was established in September 1990 with Punsalmaagiin Ochirbat as its inaugural holder. Later on 12 February 1992, following the adoption of a new constitution, the post was superseded by its modern form. Ochirbat remained as inaugural president until he was democratically elected into the office in 1993, becoming the first democratic head of state of Mongolia.
According to the Constitution of Mongolia, the president is elected to a single six-year term by direct popular vote in a two-round system. Prior to the 2019 constitutional amendments, which took effect in May 2020, the presidential term was limited to a maximum of two four-year terms. The current and sixth president, Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, was elected in the June 2021 presidential election.
Contents
Election and term
In order to be registered to contest the election, a candidate must be an indigenous Mongolian citizen, be at least 50 years old on the day of the election, and have permanently resided in Mongolia for at least five years. Candidates are nominated by political parties with representation in the State Great Khural (parliament), but the president-elect must suspend their position in any other office or employment before assuming the office.
The president was originally limited to two four-year terms, but this was changed to a non-renewable six-year term starting with the 2021 presidential election. Presidential elections are conducted by nationwide direct popular vote. If no candidate achieves an absolute majority of votes cast, a runoff is held between the top two candidates. If no candidate receives a majority of all votes cast in the second round, fresh elections will be held.
Latest election
Polls opened at 07:00 in 2,087 polling stations across the country for the 2 million registered voters, with special measures in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Mongolia. Voting ended at 22:00. Khürelsükh and Erdene voted in Ulaanbaatar, while Enkhbat tested positive for COVID-19 and voted in the hospital.
Powers of the president
The Constitution of Mongolia, adopted in 1992, states that the president is the "head of state and embodiment of the unity of the Mongolian people".
Nominating a candidate for the office of Prime Minister, who is then approved or rejected by the State Great Khural (parliament). This is a ceremonial responsibility, as the Khural will most likely reject any nominee who is not its own choice – in effect, the prime minister is appointed by the Khural.
Dissolving the State Great Khural if it fails to appoint the prime minister within 45 days after the president submitted a proposal on appointment to parliament, or if it fails to appoint within 30 days after the resignation of the previous prime minister.
Vetoing the State Great Khural's legislation (can be overridden with a two-thirds majority)
Approving judicial appointments
Appointing the chief judge of the Supreme Court of Mongolia
Chairing the National Security Council of Mongolia
Represent the State with full authority in foreign relations, and, in concurrence with the State Great Khural, to conclude international treaties on behalf of Mongolia.
Appoint and recall the heads of plenipotentiary missions of Mongolia to foreign countries, in concurrence with the State Great Khural.
Acting as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Nominates the prosecutor general, the official in charge of implementing the laws, who is then approved or rejected by the State Great Khural.
Residences
Generally, Mongolian leaders have lived at the president's residence at the Ikh Tenger Complex (Mongolian: Их тэнгэр цогцолбор). The complex is a protected area in the Bogd Khan Mountain. The residence is located next to the mansions of the Speaker of Parliament and Prime Minister.
Winter Palace
In 2017, newly elected president Khaltmaagiin Battulga said that he intended to live in the "Winter Palace" in central Ulaanbaatar, also known as the marshal's residence, in a departure from tradition. It is located in the heart of the capital between Peace Avenue and Seoul Street (next to the 1st School and the Russian Embassy). The two-story building was built in 1947 as the residence of Marshal Khorloogiin Choibalsan. It has two luxury rooms and five other rooms as well as 52 to 80-person capacity banqueting hall.
Removal
The president can be removed from office if two-thirds of the State Great Khural find them guilty of abusing their powers or violating their oath on the basis of the findings of the Constitutional Court of Mongolia.
Succession
According to Article 37 of the Constitution of Mongolia, in the temporary absence of the president, his/her powers shall be exercised by the Chairman of the State Great Khural.
In the event of the resignation, death or voluntary retirement of the President, the presidential powers shall be exercised by the Chairman of the State Great Khural until the inauguration of a newly elected President. In such cases, the State Great Khural shall announce and hold presidential elections within four months.
The procedure of the exercising the presidential duties by the parliamentary speaker shall be determined by law.
Symbols
The state emblem of Mongolia is the primary symbol of the Office of the President of Mongolia. Additionally, the state seal is held by the president and is used to authenticate official documents.