Pressure from various sections of the MPRP on the party’s administrative board has been increasing to set the date for a general conference where a new chairman will be chosen to succeed S.Bayar. His prolonged illness and absence has put all party work on hold.

Last week, MPRP Secretary General U.Khurelsukh left for the USA, where he is expected to discuss the issue with Bayar. The former Prime Minister who has retained the party chairmanship has made no political statement in recent days except to say that the coalition government must run its full course. However, in his absence, a party conference, even if it does not dismiss him, is quite likely to decide against the coalition.

The search for a new party leader has already begun. The current Prime Minister, S.Batbold, stands the best chance, as traditionally the two posts have always been held by the same person. An exception was made in the present case as the resignation of S.Bayar as Prime Minister was so much of a shock for the party that its members accepted his decision to retain the chairmanship. With the passage of time, they have begun to question the wisdom of the decision.

However, S.Batbold is unlikely to challenge S.Bayar if the latter decides to carry on. He is busy leaving his mark on the government. He has changed one minister and has promised several reforms, develop the financial market, begin work on Tavantolgoi, and overhaul the higher education system.

Among those eyeing the party chairmanship are Vice Prime Minister M.Enkhbold, Minister for Internal Affairs Ts.Nyamdorj, ex-president N.Enkhbayar and Secretary General U.Khurelsukh.

Enkhbold has little support within the party generally but has his own men in key places and has the financial resources to run a successful campaign. Khurelsukh has been quite active in recent weeks and has a strong following among workers at the middle and low levels of the party. His rise may presage a return to the pre-democracy days of the party.

Enkhbayar is keeping his own counsel but Nyamdorj is believed to be keen to give it a try.