ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia (AP) — The Mongolian People’s Party has chosen a replacement candidate for prime minister following the departure of Zandanshatar Gombojav, who stepped down after serving less than a year in the position.
Party officials nominated Uchral Nyam-Osor during a Sunday gathering, as reported by the state-run Montsame news agency. Currently serving as both party chairman and parliamentary speaker, Uchral became a party member in 2009 and represents a middle-ground choice between competing party wings.
Gombojav’s departure followed corruption accusations against one of his top cabinet officials. The former prime minister also dealt with opposition from the Democratic Party, whose members have staged a parliamentary walkout since early this month over concerns that too much authority has been consolidated within the governing party.
This political upheaval threatens to further undermine public confidence in Mongolia’s government institutions. The nation made its democratic transition from single-party Communist rule in 1990, but despite regular elections, citizens continue to voice frustrations about widespread corruption and a political structure that appears to serve wealthy elites.
International business interests have grown increasingly concerned about Mongolia’s unstable political climate and the brief terms served by consecutive administrations.
With a population of 3.4 million, Mongolia relies heavily on mineral exports to China and continues to grapple with inconsistent regulatory policies and ongoing corruption issues.
