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The Mongolian Parliament’s autumn session remains stalled due to persistent attendance issues, preventing the legislature from conducting scheduled business, including the appointment of a new Minister of Justice and Home Affairs. The inability to reach a quorum has triggered political friction between the ruling Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) and the opposition Democratic Party (DP), while also drawing public criticism.
During a scheduled session on Tuesday, only 58 of the 126 members of parliament registered their attendance. Fifteen members were reported to be on official leave or travel, while 53 members failed to register. Consequently, Prime Minister N. Uchral was unable to present his nomination of G. Temuulen for the position of Minister of Justice and Home Affairs.
The opposition Democratic Party has denied allegations that it is boycotting the session. O. Tsogtgerel, head of the DP parliamentary group, stated that the ruling party holds a sufficient majority to form a quorum independently. He argued that the current legislative paralysis is a result of internal conflicts within the ruling party and called on the MPP to ensure its own members attend sessions. The DP further demanded that the Prime Minister submit to a vote of confidence, citing concerns over the proposed 2027 budget.
In response, the MPP leadership announced that it is taking steps to address the absenteeism. J. Batjargal, head of the MPP parliamentary group, stated that members previously on official travel have been recalled to attend sessions. He added that the party will hold members accountable for failing to attend despite being in the country, noting that disciplinary measures will be enforced in accordance with party regulations.
Parliament Speaker S. Byambatsogt addressed the assembly during the delays, urging members to fulfill their constitutional duties. He emphasized that the public is waiting for legislative action on critical issues, including inflation, food and fuel reserves, energy security, and adjustments to salaries and pensions. The Speaker noted that the attendance records of all members are publicly available.
Outside the State Palace, citizens gathered in Sukhbaatar Square to protest the legislative deadlock. Demonstrators demanded that members of parliament attend sessions to resume normal operations and called for increases in salaries and pensions. The ongoing attendance crisis has now expanded beyond a dispute between political parties to become a matter of internal party discipline and a focal point for public dissatisfaction.
Article and image source: sonin.mn
