2008 riot in Mongolia

Rioting in Ulaanbataar, MongoliaNovember 2019 2008 Mongolian Riot the Colour revolutions 300 infobox 1/2 center 2008 Mongolia Riot Scene2.jpg 2008 Mongolia Riot Scene1.jpg 2008 Mongolia Riot Protest.jpg Clockwise from top leftArson of the MPRP HQ on the night of 1 July; Opposition demonstrating in front of the MPRP HQ; Clash between the police and rioters 2008 7 1 y – 2008 7 2 y (2008 7 1 2008 7 2) Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Electoral fraud in the 2008 election Perceived widespread corruption Dissatisfaction with the MPRP Rampant inflation and economic hardship Election boycott Free and fair election Demonstrations Civil disobedience Riots Arson Vandalism Mongolia's first state of emergency Headquarters of the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party destroyed by fire Four protestors shot dead Inauguration of the 5th session of the State Great Khural stalled Mongolia 1992 Protestors (no central leadership) Supported by: Mongolian Democratic Party Flag.svg Democratic Party (alleged) Flag of the Republican Party (Mongolia).jpg Republican Party Civic Movement Party Mongolian National Democratic Party flag.svg New National Party Mongolia 1992 Government Emblem of the Ministry of Justice and Internal Affairs of Mongolia.svg Ministry of Justice and Internal Affairs Flag of the National Police Agency (Mongolia).png National Police Agency Flag of the Internal Troops of Mongolia.png Internal Troops Mongolian Armed forces emblem.svg Mongolian Armed Forces Supported by: Logo of the Mongolian People's Party (2000-2010).png Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party Mongolian Democratic Party Flag.svg Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj Flag of the Republican Party (Mongolia).jpg Bazarsadyn Jargalsaikhan Jalbasürengiin Batzandan Otgonjargalyn Magnai Logo of the Mongolian People's Party (2000-2010).png Sanjiin Bayar Logo of the Mongolian People's Party (2000-2010).png Nambaryn Enkhbayar Logo of the Mongolian People's Party (2000-2010).png Tsendiin Mönkh-Orgil ~8,000 protestorsZindaa 7-р сарын 1-ны үймээнд 8000 иргэн жагссан бол 3000 орчим цагдаа үүрэг авчээ https://news.zindaa.mn/hy 2025-08-25 news.zindaa.mn mn ~3,000 police officers and soldiersZindaa 7-р сарын 1-ны үймээнд 8000 иргэн жагссан бол 3000 орчим цагдаа үүрэг авчээ https://news.zindaa.mn/hy 2025-08-25 news.zindaa.mn mn 220 injured 9 shot 5 dead 700+ arrested 358 police officers and soldiers injured 63 hospitalized 5 Over 300 Over 700 On 1 July 2008, a riot broke out in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. The riot was sparked by allegations of fraud surrounding the 2008 parliamentary election, which occurred three days earlier. While initially a peaceful protest, the riot resulted in Mongolia's first state of emergency, which lasted four days, and a military presence (lasting two of those days) was brought into the city to quell the riot. In Mongolia, the event is referred to as the "July 1 riots" (mn Долоодугаар сарын нэгэний түйвээн Doloodugaar sariin negenii tuiveen) or the "Black Day" (mn Хар өдөр Khar ödör). Five people were killed by the police, and the headquarters of the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (which had won the election) was set on fire. Additional suggested causes for the riot include a change to the electoral system, which was not well understood, and an increased division between Mongolia's rich and poor populations. Background 2008 Mongolian parliamentary election right Sanjaa Bayar August 2009-6.jpg 161 Tsakhiagiin Elbegdor.jpg 137 Sanjiin Bayar, leader of the MPRP, and Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, leader of the Democratic Party. In the 2004 parliamentary election, the former sole legal communist party, the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) had lost 36 of its previous 72 seats in the State Great Khural, losing 35 of its seats to the Motherland Democratic Coalition (MDC), a major opposition coalition between the Democratic Party (DP), the Motherland – Mongolian Democratic New Socialist Party (M-MDNSP) and the Civil Will–Republican Party. After the by-elections for 2 disputed seats finished in February 2005, both parties respectively won a single seat. This ultimately resulted in a hung parliament, where the MPRP had 37 seats, the MDC 35, the Republican Party 1, and independents 3. Both major parties were below the required threshold of 39 seats for a clear majority.Mongolia (07/07) https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/mongolia/89768.htm#:~:text=June%2027,%202004,four%20smaller%20parties. 2025-08-26 U.S. Department of State Following the election in August, the MPRP and the MDC signed a power-sharing agreement, forming a coalition government where the Democratic chairman Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj was nominated to become the 23rd Prime Minister of Mongolia.2004-08-13 Mongolia's Rival Parties Reach Power-Sharing Agreement - 2004-08-13 https://www.voatibetan.com/a/a-28-a-2004-08-13-1-1-90257932/1268120.html 2025-08-26 ཝི་ཨོ་ཨེ། en In December 2004, due to internal party disputes regarding the upcoming presidential election, the MDC was dissolved by its own leadershipCIA - The World Factbook -- Mongolia https://user.iiasa.ac.at/~marek/fbook/04/print/mg.html#:~:text=DP%20and%20M-MNSDP%20formed%20Motherland-Democracy%20Coalition%20(MDC)%20in%202003%20and%20with%20CWRP%20contested%20June%202004%20elections%20as%20single%20party;%20MDC's%20leadership%20dissolved%20coalition%20in%20December%202004 2025-08-26 user.iiasa.ac.at despite all 7 M-MDNSP members of parliament (MP) opposing the dissolution.2005-01-13 Х.Баттулга: Бид энэ задралын эсрэг байна https://olloo.mn/2005/01/13/7732/ 2025-08-26 olloo.mn olloo.mn mn In 2005, the party infighting ultimately led to five DP members changing parties; four members crossed the floor to the MPRP and founded the New National Party (NNP), whilst Deputy Party Chairman Lamjavyn Gündalai founded his own party (the People's Party),Улс төрийн намын бүртгэл https://www.supremecourt.mn/mn/home?page=party&id=12&pr=63&tp=detail&md=1&h= 2025-08-26 www.supremecourt.mn Supreme Court of Mongolia mn having blamed Prime Minister Elbegdorj for "slow economic growth and inefficient economic policy".2005-01-18 Л.Гүндалай: Хэдэн лидерүүд сандал ширээгээ булаацалдаж байгаа нь цаг зуурын асуудал. https://olloo.mn/2005/01/18/8013/ 2025-08-26 olloo.mn olloo.mn mn In January 2006, the MPRP was now able to form a majority government without the DP, thanks to the four NNP MPs who had crossed the floor. Subsequently, MPRP ministers who made up around 80% of the Elbegdorj cabinet resigned en masse, therefore knocking down Elbegdorj's government and allowing the party to form a coalition government with the NNP, the M-MDNSP, and placing itself at its helm. MPRP chairman Miyeegombyn Enkhbold was nominated the 24th Prime Minister of Mongolia.April 2006 Diplomatic Bluebook 2006: Chapter 2. Japan’s Regional Diplomacy https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/other/bluebook/2006/03.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20250211130344/https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/other/bluebook/2006/03.pdf 2025-02-11 2025-08-26 www.mofa.go.jp Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 47 en In the 2005 presidential election, Nambaryn Enkhbayar of the ruling MPRP had been overwhelmingly elected the 3rd President of Mongolia in a four-way race, defeating the DP, the M-MDNSP, and the RP candidates by 54% of the popular vote. The DP had only received 20% of the vote. In October 2007 during the 25th Party Congress, Sanjiin Bayar was elected the next chairman of the MPRP and later in November, he was nominated as the 25th Prime Minister of Mongolia after incumbent Enkhbold was forced to resign due to pressure within his own party.2007-11-22 Sanj Bayar elected Mongolia prime minister https://www.reuters.com/article/world/sanj-bayar-elected-mongolia-prime-minister-idUSPEK271002/ 2025-08-26 Reuters en-GB2007-11-08 Mongolia's prime minister quits https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/mobile/asia-pacific/7084726.stm 2025-08-26 en-GB Bayar formed another coalition government between the MPRP and the Civil Will Party. He sought to "uproot corruption and bureaucracy".MONGOLIA (Ulsyn Ikh Khural) http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/arc/2219_08.htm Inter-Parliamentary Union 3 June 2014 Key issues in the upcoming election included the development of Mongolia's largely impoverished agriculture industry and mineral deals regarding its booming mining sector.2008-07-01 Opposition alleges fraud in Mongolia vote https://www.reuters.com/article/markets/oil/opposition-alleges-fraud-in-mongolia-vote-idUSPEK274609/ 2025-08-26 Reuters en One of the most significant of these long-awaited agreements was the $38 billion Oyu Tolgoi copper deposit project, in partnership with the Canadian company Ivanhoe Mines. While the project promised substantial revenue to Mongolia's GDP, it also raised public fears regarding potential foreign exploitation and environmental damage. In May 2006, protestors against the project burned an effigy of Robert Friedland, owner of Ivanhoe Mines, and demanded that the companies pay higher taxes. In response to these demonstrations, the government enacted a new mining tax law allowing it to impose taxes of 68% on gold profits when it exceeds $500 per ounce and copper over $2,600 per tonne. Up until then, the government of Mongolia was firmly in support of foreign-run mining companies. However, delays in government approvals, changes in mining regulation, and unstable politics ultimately caused many companies to pull out or reschedule their projects. The regulation of foreign involvement in Mongolia's mining sector has remained a subject of controversy.Hardenberg Donata The battle for Mongolia’s resources https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2008/7/3/the-battle-for-mongolias-resources 2025-08-26 Al Jazeera en Both major parties supported the mining agreement, but the MPRP favored a more state-controlled approach, whilst the DP advocated a more pro-market framework. Before the 2008 election, Gündalai and most members of the People's Party returned to the Democratic Party. Prior to the election, more than 116,000 registered voters were listed twice (under different addresses),Сонгуулийн үйл явцын ил тод байдлыг хангахтай холбоотой хуулийн чухал заалтыг зөрчиж байна Шударга сонгуулийн төлөө иргэний нийгмийн хяналт сүлжээ https://www.sanal.mn/story/127/2008-06-17 2025-08-26 www.sanal.mn mn the General Election Commission affirmed it would be fixed prior to election day. The election saw a turnout of 74% and was stated to be "largely free and fair" by international observers. Early results saw the MPRP having taken 47 seats to the DP's 27, and the MPRP declared victory. The DP and many other opposition parties claimed that the election had been fixed by the MPRP, with some people voting twice. Republican Party chairman and 2005 presidential nominee Bazarsadyn Jargalsaikhan, Civic Movement Party leaders Jalbasurengiin Batzandan and Otgonjargalyn Magnai held a press conference on July 1, regarding the 2008 electoral fraud. The 3 party leaders and DP chairman Elbegdorj called on the people to protest and contest the unfair election results.A.Жаргал 2018-07-02 2008 оны долоодугаар сарын 1-нд Монголд болсон аймшигт явдлын түүхэн зургууд https://ikon.mn/n/1bvf 2025-08-27 ikon.mn en Protests thumb|Protestors clashing with the Police in front of the MPRP headquarters. On 1 July, a peaceful gathering started in Sukhbaatar Square, organized by the leaders of some of the smaller parties that took part in the election. Eventually, a large crowd gathered, mainly of young men, surrounding the adjacent MPRP office. The group started throwing rocks at the building and began advancing on it. The National Police Agency responded with tear gas and non-lethal weapons. In the evening, fires were started and looting began.Wong Edward In Election Dispute, a Challenge for Mongolia’s Democracy https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/08/world/asia/08mongolia.html?pagewanted=all 3 June 2014 The New York Times 8 July 2008 Both the MPRP headquarters and the Central Cultural Palace Building (which houses the National Art Gallery of Mongolia) were set on fire by the crowd, estimated to be in the thousands. Art from the gallery (more than 1,000 pieces) were either "destroyed, damaged, or looted".https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7484632.stm Fatal clashes in Mongolia capital 2 July 2008 BBC News 3 June 2014https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7485473.stm Frustrations boil over in Mongolia Kohn Michael 2 July 2008 BBC News 3 June 2014 In search for weapons, a police station was attacked. Looting continued through the night, despite a 10:00 pm – 8:00 am curfew being set in place. Bricks were thrown at a fire engine, and violence in the streets erupted.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7483286.stm Mongolia calls state of emergency 1 July 2008 BBC News 3 June 2014 "Police will use necessary force to crack down on criminals who are looting private and government property." – Tsendiin Mönkh-Orgil, Deputy Minister, Minister of. Justice and Internal Affairs 20% A four-day state of emergency, the first in Mongolia's history,https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jul/02/1 Mongolia declares state of emergency as riots kill five Branigan Tania 2 July 2008 The Guardian 3 June 2014 was declared by President Enkhbayar, effective 11:30 pm on 1 July.http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2008/07/200871164712383653.html Mongolia under state of emergency 3 July 2008 Al Jazeera 3 June 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20080830093519/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2008/07/200871164712383653.html 30 August 2008 live The state of emergency was placed, and a ban on the sale of alcohol, authorized police to use force to stop the protestors, and prevented television broadcasts outside of those made by state-run stations. The crowds got smaller after the state of emergency was enacted, and the police were able to use additional force to stop the looting. By 2 July, the military was brought into Ulaanbaatar.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7486794.stm Streets calm in riot-hit Mongolia 3 July 2008 BBC News 3 June 2014 MAXH building.jpg MPRP Burnt.JPG vertical The MPRP Headquarters was destroyed by fire during the protests. The President upheld the fairness of the elections and promised investigations into the election as required. He also called an emergency national security meeting with the country's prime minister and opposition party leaders. The meeting was broadcast live on privately-run channel Eagle TV, MPRP chairman and prime minister Sanjiin Bayar blamed Democratic chairman Elbegdorj for "misleading people and inciting violence", echoing claims that he had made earlier that day. Aftermath By 3 July, the situation had stabilised, with fewer troops patrolling the streets. Five people were killed in the riots, and over 300 people were injured, both civilian and police.http://www.france24.com/en/20080702-several-killed-dead-mongolian-riots-ulan-bator-unrest-elections Several killed in Mongolian riots 2 July 2008 France 24 1 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20121020232445/http://www.france24.com/en/20080702-several-killed-dead-mongolian-riots-ulan-bator-unrest-elections 20 October 2012 dead dmy-all Over 700 arrests were made during the riots, on 7 July more than 200 people were still incarcerated. Allegations of torture of prisoners were brought forward, including one person who was erroneously arrested while trying to preserve a piece of art. Some commentators and analysts suggested the problems may have been exacerbated by a growing rich/poor divide. Luvsandendev Sumati, from the polling organization Sant Maral Foundation is reported as saying that "the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar have a lot of poor and frustrated youngsters who would use any pretext to get to streets and participate in any turmoil". A change from a first-past-the-post election process may have led to a misunderstanding over how a winner is selected. References 30em Riot in Mongolia, 2008 Riot in Mongolia, 2008 Category:July 2008 in Asia Category:Political history of Mongolia Category:Protests against results of elections Category:Protests in Mongolia Category:Riots and civil disorder in Mongolia