ULAN BATOR, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Deputies of the Citizens' Representative Council of Ulan Bator elected a new mayor of the capital city on Wednesday.

Samdannyam Munkhchuluun was appointed by 24 deputies in the 45-seat council in a secret ballot.

"Working as mayor of the capital city is very responsible. I will work hard to solve the pressing issues in the city which is home to more than half of the country's population of 3.2 million," Munkhchuluun told reporters after the appointment.

The 40-year-old Munkhchuluun, a member of the ruling Mongolian People's Party, has served as a deputy of the Citizens' Representative Council since 2016.

Sundui Batbold, the former mayor of Ulan Bator, announced his resignation in late November after the country's Prime Minister Ukhnaa Khurelsukh accused him of not fulfilling his duties.