BEIJING - Mongolia's top court ruled that a parliamentary vote to oust the prime minister was unconstitutional, a move analysts say could lock the coal-rich country into years of further political turmoil as factions in the ruling party feud over the economy.

The Constitutional Court on Wednesday evening said a motion passed by the State Great Khural or parliament last Friday to dismiss Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav had no legal basis, China's state broadcaster reported on Thursday. Mongolia's official news agency, Montsame, has not yet reported on the decision.