S. Bayar had retained the party chairmanship after resigning from his functions of Prime Minister, but his prolonged illness and absence has led to increasing pressure from various sections of the MPRP on the party’s administrative board for his resignation and the election of a new party chairman.

Though a search for a new party leader had already begun even before yesterday’s announcement, S. Bayar - whose resignation has been accepted by party members - gave his support in favour of S. Batbold to succeed him as MPRP chairman. S. Bayar said he has been carefully looking at S. Batbold since he entered on his duties as Prime Minister and describes him as the right man for the party and for Mongolia due to his diplomatic, negotiating, and economic skills.  

Even if elections for a new chairman have yet to take place, the current Prime Minister S. Batbold seems to be standing the best chances, especially as tradition wants it that the two posts be held by the same person – an exception was made for S. Bayar.

Because of health problems, S. Bayar plans to return to the USA soon.