Parliament fails to form quorum as MPs boycott Speaker www.zgm.mn
Parliament was scheduled to appoint the next Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry, and discuss the amendments to the Minerals Law at its plenary session yesterday; however, both discussions had to be postponed due to failure to form quorum as four Members of the Parliament (MPs) staged a sit-in and demanded Speaker Enkhbold Miyegombo to submit his resignation letter. Blaming the absentees for interfering with the continuity of Parliament operation, MP Enkh-Amgalan Luvsantseren requested the Parliament to issue a demand to MPs that were not present at the session.
A quorum is reached when at least 39 out of 76 parliamentarians attend the session. However, 40 MPs submitted a petition to not attend plenary sessions until the Parliament Speaker resigns from his position last month. Continuing on to the next stage of protest, MP Bold Luvsanvandan, Batzandan Jalbasuren, Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai and Ayursaikhan Tumurbaatar staged a sit-in; thus, the Speaker received the four members to listen to their demand. The protesting MPs stressed, “We are organizing a sit-in because we think the Parliament Speaker has violated the Constitution. The evidence of Mongolian People’s Party authorities discussing to selloff public positions to raise MNT 60 billion was disclosed during the 2016 Parliamentary Election. Speaker Enkhbold was involved in the case and we perceive you are unqualified to act as the Parliament Speaker. If you do not, we will move onto the next stage of protest.”
• A quorum is reached when at least 39 out of 76 parliamentarians attend the session.
• MPs refuse to attend plenary session over Speaker's involvement with MNT 60 billion sell-off case.
• Speaker expresses willing to take responsibility after the court rules against him.
Speaker Enkhbold responded, “The law clearly states five instances of ousting the Parliament Speaker. You need to address the issue in accordance with the law of Mongolia. Regarding the MNT 60 billion sell-off case, I am not against organizing a public hearing; however, it is not possible to hold a public hearing on a case that is currently under investigation. The President also submitted a request to the Constitutional Court. I am willing to take any responsibility after the court ruling.” With the failure to form a quorum, the Parliament decided to postpone several items on the order paper. Thus, the Parliament is expected to discuss the appointment of the Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry, as well as the Minerals Law, which is expected to extend 2.5 percent gold royalties for five years, today.
Published Date:2018-12-07