The Political System 

When communism started to fall around the world in the late 1980’s Mongolia was no exception. In the early 1990’s Mongolians chose to end the communist regime and started establishing political democracy and creating a market economy. Mongolia was able to make this revolution peacefully, and among those post communist countries that changed in the late 80’s and early 90’s, is now one of the most democratic and free. 

In 1992, the Mongolian legislature adopted the Democratic Constitution. As a unitary state, Mongolia is divided into administrative units called Aimags, which is similar to a province, and each Aimag has a capital city. Like any other democratic market economies Mongolia has separation of power into 3 bodies (legislative, execute and judicial).

Legislative Power

The State Great Khural (parliament) is the only body that has legislative power. It has one chamber with 76 members who serve for a term of four years.  The Mongolian parliament has the power to enact and amend laws, to define the basis of domestic and foreign policy, to set the dates for the election of the President and Parliament, to define the structure of the parliament standing committees, government and other institutions that are directly accountable to it and has other exclusive authority in a number of areas. Parliament also has the power to ratify or reject international agreements and to override presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote.

Executive Power

The Prime Minister and his cabinet are the highest executive body of the state. The Prime Ministers term is four years.  The Prime Minister and his cabinet are directly accountable to parliament. They have the following rights: to implement the constitution and other laws nationwide; to work out a comprehensive policy on science and technology, guidelines for economic and social development, the state budget, credit and fiscal plans; to take measures to protect the environment and human rights; to ensure national security; to implement state foreign policy; and to conclude and implement international treaties in consultation with and subsequent ratification by the State Great Khural.

Judicial Power

In Mongolia the judicial power is vested exclusively in courts. The judicial system consists of the Supreme Court, Aimag and capital city courts, Soum (lower level administrative unit than aimag), inter-soum and District courts. Specialized courts such as criminal, civil and administrative courts may be formed. A General Council of Courts has been established to ensure the independence of the judiciary. The President and the General Council of Courts has exclusive power to select and appoint the judges.

The President

Maybe the most unique character in Mongolian political system is the President. The constitution states the President is the Mongolia’s Head of State and embodiment of the unity of the Mongolian people. The President is also Commander in Chief of the armed forces and the head of the National Security Council. The President is elected by popular vote to serve a four year term and may be re-elected only once. The President has the following rights: to veto all parts of legislation (however his veto may be overturned by a two-thirds majority vote of the Parliament); to nominate the candidate for Prime Minister; to call for the dissolution of the government; to represent the State with full power in foreign relations and, in consultation with the parliament; to appoint judges; and to initiate legislation.