Politics

The politics of Mongolia takes place in a framework of a semi-presidential representative democratic republic, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

Executive Branch

Mongolia's president has a symbolic role, but can block the parliament's decisions, who can then overrule the veto by a 2/3 majority. Mongolia's Constitution provides three requirements for taking office as President: the individual must be a native-born Mongolian, be at least 45 years of age, and have resided in Mongolia for five years prior to taking office.

The presidential candidates are nominated by parties in the State Great Khural and from these candidates the president is elected by popular vote for a four-year term. The president is the head of state, commander in chief of the armed forces, and head of the national security council. The president is popularly elected by a national majority for a 4-year term and limited to two terms.

The constitution empowers the president to propose a prime minister, call for the government's dissolution, initiate legislation, veto all or parts of legislation (the State Great Khural can override the veto with a two-thirds majority), and issue decrees, which become effective with the prime minister's signature. In the absence, incapacity or resignation of the president, the SGKh chairman exercises presidential power until inauguration of a newly elected president.

The government, headed by the prime minister, has a 4-year term. The prime minister is nominated by the president and confirmed by the SGKh. The prime minister chooses a cabinet, subject to State Great Khural approval. Dissolution of the government occurs upon the prime minister's resignation, simultaneous resignation of half the cabinet, or after an State Great Khural vote for dissolution.

Legislative Branch

The State Great Assembly (Ulsyn Ikh Khural) has 76 members, elected for a four year term in single-seat constituencies. It is chaired by the speaker of the house.

Judicial Branch

The new constitution empowered a General Council of Courts (GCC) to select all judges and protect their rights. The Supreme Court is the highest judicial body. Justices are nominated by the GCC and confirmed by the SGKh and president. The court is constitutionally empowered to examine all lower court decisions (excluding specialised court rulings) upon appeal and provide official interpretations on all laws except the constitution.

Specialised civil, criminal and administrative courts exist at all levels and are not subject to Supreme Court supervision. Local authorities (district and city governors) ensure that these courts abide by presidential decrees and SGKh decisions. At the apex of the judicial system is the Constitutional Court, which consists of nine members, including a chairman, appointed for 6-year terms, whose jurisdiction extends solely over the interpretation of the constitution.

Foreign Relations

Mongolia maintains friendly relations with the United States, Russia, Japan, the People's Republic of China, and virtually all countries in the world. It has initiated large foreign investment initiatives and encouraged foreign investment. It supported the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and has sent around 700-800 troops to Iraq up till now. 200 Mongolian troops were also sent to Sierra Leone on UN mandate to protect the War tribunal set up there. On November 21, 2005, George W. Bush became the first ever sitting US President to visit Mongolia.

Military

The military of Mongolia has three branches:

Mongolian People's Army (includes Internal Security Forces and Border Guards)
Mongolian People's Air Force
Civil Defence Troops

Mongolia has no navy.

The small Mongolian Air Force is administered by the Army. It has four An-24, 3 An-26, 10 An-2, 4 Harbin Y-12s, 8 (all grounded) MiG-21s, 4 Mi-24Vs, 14 Mi-8 anti tank and 11 Mi-8 transport helicopters.