Mongolia Online | Published News | Politics

Key political risks to watch in Mongolia

mongoliaonline — Mon, 31 May 2010 00:28:07 EDT

BEIJING, May 3 (Reuters) - Landlocked Mongolia sits on vast quantities of untapped mineral wealth and analysts say it could be one of the fastest growing economies of the next decade, as well as a key investment target for global mining giants.

The $5 billion Oyu Tolgoi project, jointly owned by Ivanhoe Mines and the Mongolian government, will be the world's biggest copper mine

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Mongolian President Calls on Protestors to Express Demands Legally

mongoliaonline — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:01:47 EDT

Mongolian President Elbegdorj Tsakhia said Monday that demands of a group of protestors, who have launched a hunger strike against the parliament since Thursday, should be expressed legally.

"The protestors' demands should be expressed legally. And citizens should avoid using the struggling ways that might be harmful to their life, freedom and health," Elbegdorj Tsakhi

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Mongolian PM consolidates power amid protests

mongoliaonline — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 20:25:43 EDT

ULAN BATOR, Mongolia -- Mongolia's prime minister was appointed chief of the country's ruling party Thursday in a move to consolidate his power at a time when the country's capital has been rocked by protests.

Prime Minister Batbold Sukhbaatar replaced Bayar Sanjaa as head of the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party after the former prime minister resigned, citing health reaso

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Mongolia protesters plan to stage hunger strike

mongoliaonline — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 20:12:41 EDT

Protesters are continuing to stage a sit-in around the central square of Mongolia's capital. The government is facing growing public pressure to dissolve the Parliament.

The demonstrations began on Monday with more than five-thousand participants demanding that Parliament be dissolved, and promised aid be handed out.

The protesters have been criticizing the government's

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Mongolian former PM resigns as ruling party chief

mongoliaonline — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 21:21:46 EDT

ULAN BATOR, Mongolia (AP) — The chief of Mongolia's ruling party said Thursday he is resigning to allow the current prime minister to consolidate his power, at a time when the country's capital has been rocked by protests.

Former Prime Minister Bayar Sanjaa cited health reasons for his resignation during a meeting of the ruling council of the Mongolian People's R

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Mongolian protesters demand share of country's natural resources

mongoliaonline — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:28:14 EDT

About 5,000 protesters surged through Mongolia’s capital Ulan Bator urging that parliament be dissolved and promised aid handed out.

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5,000 flood Mongolia's capital, demand new govt

mongoliaonline — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 04:54:53 EDT

ULAN BATOR, Mongolia — More than 5,000 protesters surged through the center of Mongolia's capital Monday to demand that parliament be dissolved and promised aid be handed out.

The largely peaceful rally was the biggest in Ulan Bator since July 2008 when five people were killed and more than 200 hurt in riots over alleged election fraud.

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Mongolian protestors demand health minister resign

mongoliaonline — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:37:12 EST

(Reuters) - Hundreds of protesters gathered in Ulan Bator's central Sukhbatar Square Thursday to demand the resignation of Mongolia's health minister for failing to curtail the spread of the H1N1 strain of influenza.

The first demonstration in the heart of the capital since post-election riots in July 2008 ended peacefully, but protesters warned of further unrest if th

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Mongolia offers to help U.S. with N. Korea

Tamir — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:59:12 EDT

Mongolia has offered to mediate between the United States and North Korea because of its good ties with both countries, and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has expressed interest, Mongolian Foreign Minister Sukhbaatar Batbold said.

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Ming Holden: Witnessing Mongolia's Election

hidodorj — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:23:19 EDT

Late May proffered its usual hail, rain, snow, and high-80's sunlight in the same day. In the upscale Nayra Cafe, the largely foreign clientele were instructed that Thursday's internet password was "Elbegdorj." Ganbat, the author leading the latest effort at forming a Mongolian Center of International PEN, sported the inked forefinger of a citizen who had voted when I had lunch with him. Neither

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Some promising news - The Globe and Mail

mongoliaonline — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 01:42:23 EDT

Last Sunday, June 24, some 1.1 million Mongolians, or nearly three-quarters of all eligible voters, went to the polling stations. It was the country's sixth presidential election since the country left the Soviet Union's orbit and embraced multi-party politics in 1990 and this time around , another milestone was reached: a candidate other than the leader of the Mongolian Peoples' Revolutionary Pa

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US State Department on Mongolian Presidential Election

Tamir — Thu, 28 May 2009 01:14:18 EDT

Ian Kelly, Department Spokesman of the Office of the Spokesman of the Bureau of Public Affairs issued a press release on May 26, 2009.

"We wish to congratulate the people of Mongolia on their recent presidential election. In a free and peaceful democratic election on Sunday, May 24, Mongolian voters elected Democratic Party candidate Tshahiagiin Elbegdorj.

We applaud the people and governme

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Where did voters get information for the presidential campaign?

mongoliaonline — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:30:09 EDT

The voters got 25 percent of the Candidates information from TV; 15 percent from papers; 8 percent from private radio and FM; and 13 percent from internet. More interestingly, 16 percent of the information was spread by the rumors.

35.7 percent of the UB residents watched the Presidential Candidates' Debate.

43 percent of the voters tended to believe the negative information on N.Enhbayar w

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Wiretapping to be discussed

hidodorj — Tue, 26 May 2009 02:07:05 EDT

News.mn reports that 4 of the Great Khural standing committees will convene today to discuss the state budget for 2010-2012. What drew my interest and concern was a bit about the Internal Security, Foreign Policy Committee meeting. The committee members will meet to discuss possible changes to the Communications law, which includes legalizing wiretapping of mobile communication for law enforcemen

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Mongolians hail opposition win

hidodorj — Mon, 25 May 2009 22:59:12 EDT

ULAN BATOR, Mongolia - Thousands of Mongolians, from nomadic herders to businessmen, jammed into Ulan Bator's public square yesterday to welcome their newly elected president shortly after the Harvard-educated opposition candidate was declared the winner in a close election.

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Asian Gypsy: DP Victory celebration

mongoliaonline — Mon, 25 May 2009 17:03:27 EDT

DP supporters gathered at Sukhbaatar square with the party flags yesterday afternoon around 3 to celebrate Ts.Elbegdorj's victory over N.Enkhbayar.

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Final Results by General Election Committee

hidodorj — Mon, 25 May 2009 01:40:33 EDT

The General Election Committee finalized the Presidential Election result today at 6 pm.

This time, in the Election 1.7 million people or 73.52 percent of overall voters participated.

Accordingly, Ts.Elbegdorj from Democratic Party wins by 51.24 percent and N.Enhbayar from MPRP takes 47.44 percent.

For aimags, N.Enhbayar has 50.31 percent, Ts.Elbegdorj has 48.28 percent. For capital Ts.E

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Mongolia has new President - video | euronews

mongoliaonline — Sun, 24 May 2009 23:24:21 EDT

Mongolians have a new President - he is Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj.

A video of the celebration at the Chingis Statue at Sukhbaatar Square

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President Enkhbayar admits defeat

hidodorj — Sun, 24 May 2009 16:54:09 EDT

Prime Minister Bayar and President Enkhbayar are holding a press conference on TV right now admitting defeat and congratulating Elbegdorj on his win, although the official results are not yet out.
Enkhbayar's gone on to state that he respects the results of the election

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A new President is probable in Mongolia | Mongolia Business and Mongolian Daily Business News

hidodorj — Sun, 24 May 2009 16:15:03 EDT

According to the source of Demparty, candidate Elbegdorj is won the election by 35000 votes, securing his win for the election. It is not the official report of the Election Committee of Mongolia.

In contrast, MPRP announced its press conference at 9.00 am this morning. It regularly reported its win during the night.

Official result of the election will be announced within 5 days after the

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Democrats Win Mongolia Presidential Poll - Reports

hidodorj — Sun, 24 May 2009 16:10:32 EDT

Television networks reported a victory for Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, the Democratic Party candidate, over incumbent Nambaryn Enkhbayar of the ex- communist Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party in Sunday's poll.

Citizens For Justice, a Mongolian non-governmental organization, also projected a win for Elbegdorj, a former prime minister.

Official results haven't yet been released.

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Opposition claims win in Mongolia presidential race

hidodorj — Sun, 24 May 2009 13:06:35 EDT

* Opposition Democratic Party says Elbegdorj has won race

* Election committee has not yet issued final results

* Ruling party's headquarters silent

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Live - Eagle TV on Election Results

mongoliaonline — Sun, 24 May 2009 06:55:18 EDT

Eagle TV has an online stream giving the results as they come in. MPRP was seen claiming "possible wins" in most of the regions.

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Video - Mongolia votes in presidential elections | euronews

Tamir — Sun, 24 May 2009 04:44:20 EDT

Voting is underway in Mongolia for a tightly contested presidential poll a year after parliamentary elections triggered deadly riots.

The ballot is being closely watched from outside with foreign investors keen to tap into Mongolia's vast mineral wealth.

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The Citizen: Polls open in Mongolia presidential election

guido — Sat, 23 May 2009 23:37:37 EDT

"I hope there won't be riots this time," said Garda, a 75-year-old retiree who like many Mongolians just uses one name, and who had decided to vote for Enkhbayar.
"He did a great job in the past four years and he needs time to finish what he started," he said.
But for Tseren, a 32-year-old businesswoman, unrest was a strong possibility.
"I think we should have riots if Enkhbayar wins because h

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Mongolia presidential polls | Video | Reuters.com

Tamir — Sat, 23 May 2009 23:26:02 EDT

The country faces a tight race pitting the incumbent president against a political veteran challenger urging reform.

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Mongolia election could hinder Rio mine clearance

Tamir — Sat, 23 May 2009 11:29:23 EDT

Mongolians head to the polls to elect a new president in a tight race that will help determine when and how the country will reach consensus on working with foreign investors to tap its vast mineral wealth.

Most immediately at stake is whether parliament can quickly ratify a long-awaited draft investment agreement on the $US3 billion ($A3.88 billion) Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold project, set to

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Briefing Election Committee

hidodorj — Fri, 22 May 2009 04:27:51 EDT

Ulaanbaatar, /MONTSAME/ The General Election Commission (GEC) announced Friday it had handed the voter's card to about 90 percent or 1 million 597 thousands people nationwide.
As of today, 2,025 people are working in 338 sub-electoral committees, and 16,126 people in 1,691 electoral districts. According to the GEC, 360 video cameras in total have been installed in electoral dis

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Presidential Election Debate

guido — Fri, 22 May 2009 01:49:53 EDT

News.mn has a transcript of the presidential election (See the website for the full transcript):

The two presidential candidates answered 18 questions, two more than initially decided, at their much-awaited television debate yesterday. The debate started at 9 pm and continued for one hour and 30 minutes. Both wore a dark suit and red tie, Elbegdorj's with white stripes, while Enkhbayar's had w

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Economic crisis shapes Mongolia president election

hidodorj — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:13:47 EDT

ULAN BATOR, Mongolia (AP) - A politically divided Mongolia votes for a new president this weekend after being battered by the economic downturn and worries that a too-close result will renew the rioting that marred an election last year.
Polls show the two candidates in a statistical tie, with incumbent President Enkhbayar Nambaryn given a slight edge if farmers and nomadic herdsmen turn

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Elbegdorj or Enkhbayar? - The UB Post

guido — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:09:54 EDT

Presidential election candidates: Democratic Party Ts.Elbegdorj and Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party N.Enkhbayar, clashed on final debate on May 21 that was televised nationwide. They discussed a poverty, mineral resources, judicial reform, social justice, and how to fight against corruption.
Public opinion polls through media have consistently given a lead to Elbegdorj, who is hoping t

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DP leaders proud of their campaign

hidodorj — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:11:53 EDT

DP head N.Altankhuyag, Secretary General D.Erdenebat, MP Z.Enkhbold and Kh.Temuujin told a press conference yesterday that they regretted the way the MPRP was indulging in black PR against Ts.Elbegdorj, the DP candidate.

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YouTube - Mongolia riots after election 2008

Tamir — Thu, 21 May 2009 05:58:35 EDT

The results of the parliamentary elections back in July 2008 caused riots in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Demonstrators attacked and set on fire the headquarters of the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party.

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Mongolia braces for presidential poll

hidodorj — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:17:37 EDT

ULAN BATOR, May 21, 2009 (AFP) - Mongolia, one of the world's youngest democracies, goes to the polls Sunday to choose a new president amid deep suspicions over whether the elections will be fair.

The nation emerged from communism 19 years ago but elections are routinely plagued by rumours of fraud and bribery - and last year were blighted by riots in the streets of the capital Ulan Bator that

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The Mongolian Obama? A Discourse of Change

mongoliaonline — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:42:36 EDT

Mongolia Web News, Ulaanbaatar. Despite all the nastiness about the presidential election, there is some familiar language being used. The election slogans of Elbegdorj, the Presidential Candidate from the Democratic Party, seem to be reminiscent of a recent presidential candidate somewhere else in the world:
SHALL WE CHANGE? Corruption and poverty are beyond the limit.Unemployment and Unfairnes

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Mongolian Election Updates: Debate: Yes; Vodka: No; ID cards: Please Wait

mongoliaonline — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:42:36 EDT

>> Presidential Election debate is announced
The 2009 Presidential Candidates Ts.Elbegdorj, Democratic Party and N.Enkhbayar, MPRP are going to have debate on 9 pm, 21st of May.
>> No vodka on Election Day
The City Mayor approved resolution on not organizing any public sports and cultural event and not selling and serving alcoholic beverages on 24th of May, 2009 the Election Day in Ulaanbaata

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MPRP offers CD showing DP plot to buy votes

hidodorj — Wed, 20 May 2009 02:47:10 EDT

Wed, 20 May 2009 19:46:04 The MPRP has asked GEC Head N.Luvsanjav to examine a video tape purporting to expose a DP plan to buy people's votes. The video recording of proceedings of a meeting in Ganzam Hotel on May 6 was made by citizen B.Ganbold who offered it to the MPRP.

The party claims the recording shows DP leaders plotting to pay people money for their votes, to print fake ballot shee

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July 1 Victims Held Strike at Main Square

mongoliaonline — Tue, 19 May 2009 12:34:35 EDT

On May 18, victims and relatives of the five men died during the July 1 riot began strike at the Sukhbaatar Square demanding the President N.Enkhbayar to meet with them before May 24 Presidential Election.

On July 1, a protest over June 29 election result turned into violent public disturbance made the President N.Enkhbayar to declare four-day state of emergency in the country. Five men d

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Pro-Enkhbayar, Anti-Elbegdorj TV Coverages Dominate, GlobeInter

hidodorj — Tue, 19 May 2009 05:56:58 EDT

Positive news about the Enkhbayar was 55.2 percent, neutral - 46.9 percent, and negative information was 14.4 percent. Meanwhile, positive news about Elbegdorj was 44.8 percent, neutral - 53.1 percent and negative - 85.6 percent.
According to the monitoring, the TV news programs broadcast the 653 minute information about the candidates. 38 percent of them was about Ts.Elbegdorj, and 62 percent

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Elbegdorj Hangs Tough in Mongolia Presidential Polls - Yurts, Yaks and other adventures on the Silk Road

hidodorj — Sun, 17 May 2009 13:24:23 EDT

So it looks like it is going to a be a tight race after all. Why is the race so tight? Blame it on factional divide within the MPRP. The MPRP has historically been very tight and not affected by the factionalism that has ripped apart the Democrats over the years. But now factions are growing in the MPRP ranks and some of them are lining up against the president. The poll reflects this divide.

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