Mongolia

PMDEP Protests for a More Responsible Government

Andrew Cullen Apr 30, 2010
Supporters with PMDEP paint the organization's logo on a flag before the April 5 protest in Hovd. (Photo: Andrew Culllen) Supporters with PMDEP paint the organization's logo on a flag before the April 5 protest in Hovd. (Photo: Andrew Culllen)
PMDEP held a series of nationwide protests, including this April 5 rally in the western city of Hovd. (Photo: Andrew Cullen) PMDEP held a series of nationwide protests, including this April 5 rally in the western city of Hovd. (Photo: Andrew Cullen)
Protesters sign their names in support of the PMDEP during the rally. (Photo: Andrew Cullen) Protesters sign their names in support of the PMDEP during the rally. (Photo: Andrew Cullen)
Protesters wave flags bearing the symbol of the PMDEP during the Hovd rally. (Photo: Andrew Cullen) Protesters wave flags bearing the symbol of the PMDEP during the Hovd rally. (Photo: Andrew Cullen)
A leader of the PMDEP in Hovd province asks protesters to raise their hands in a show of support. (Photo: Andrew Cullen) A leader of the PMDEP in Hovd province asks protesters to raise their hands in a show of support. (Photo: Andrew Cullen)
Mongolians increasingly believe politicians are interested in personal gain over the good of the nation. (Photo: Andrew Cullen) Mongolians increasingly believe politicians are interested in personal gain over the good of the nation. (Photo: Andrew Cullen)
A protestor’s sign reads, "76 millionaires should resign," a reference to the 76 parliament members. (Photo: Andrew Cullen) A protestor’s sign reads, "76 millionaires should resign," a reference to the 76 parliament members. (Photo: Andrew Cullen)
Protesters gathered near a statue of Ard Ayush, who was an early 20th century protestor himself. (Photo: Andrew Cullen) Protesters gathered near a statue of Ard Ayush, who was an early 20th century protestor himself. (Photo: Andrew Cullen)
A protestor’s sign reads, "Resign, deceivers." (Photo: Andrew Cullen) A protestor’s sign reads, "Resign, deceivers." (Photo: Andrew Cullen)
PMDEP supporters clean up after the demonstration in Hovd. (Photo: Andrew Cullen) PMDEP supporters clean up after the demonstration in Hovd. (Photo: Andrew Cullen)
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Supporters with the People's Movement to Demand Election Promises (PMDEP) attended a series of nationwide protests, including this April 5 rally in the western city of Hovd, to demand that parliament give each citizen 1.5 million tugriks (about $1,150) as the ruling Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party had promised during the most recent elections in 2008. The PMDEP's movement has grown from a simple demand that the government pay the money they promised to a broader mandate for a more responsible, accountable government.

Andrew Cullen is a freelance journalist based in Hovd, Mongolia.

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