Close
The Price of an Election: Split hopes and political ambivalence in the ger districts of Ulaanbaatar
By uczipm0, on 13 July 2017
This post was written by Liz Fox, a UCL ESRC-funded anthropology PhD candidate affiliated to the Emerging Subjects project.
[The material for this blog post was collected from a variety of sources that have been anonymised. For the privacy and safety of my many interlocutors, their stories have been aggregated. It does not refer to any specific place or people.]
“Come quick! They’re giving money after all!” Baatar rushed into the ger where his relatives were sitting, discussing the Mongolian parliamentary election that was taking place that day. The road to the election had been both long and disappointing and all present were in agreement that it had been the “dirtiest” election the country had seen in its 26 years of democracy. From the start there was mudslinging, or as it is known in Mongolian, “black PR” (har pr). Each of the three presidential candidates had been accused of one scandal or another, whether it was Ganbaatar’s (of the MAHN, or Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party) 50,000 KRW bribe from the Moon religious group, Battulga’s (of the AN, or Democratic Party) 44 companies and messy family life, including a Russian wife and a son connected to drugs, or Enkhbold’s (of the MAN, or Mongolian People’s Party) selling of land when he was UB mayor, his feature in two secretly-filmed viral videos that tie him to bribery and the selling of government positions, and the accusations that he is actually Chinese. Indeed, when the candidates were announced, many Mongolians said there was no one to choose from, they are all as bad as each other and that it was an “unelectable election” (songuuldgui songuul).
I arrived in an Eastern ger district of Ulaanbaatar mere days before the first round election and learned that there had been an upswing in support for Ganbaatar, the Revolutionary Party’s Candidate. For an area that had preferred the MAN over the AN in the previous year’s parliamentary election, the outright rejection of the ruling party’s presidential candidate seemed surprising; and yet, Enkhbold was said to be the worst of the worst. Ganbaatar, the outsider candidate, had managed to differentiate himself in the eyes of ger district voters from the two big party candidates as being an honest and upstanding man. Similar to the popular support that Jawkhlan the singer had galvanised in the parliamentary election a year before, this year Ganbaatar was felt to have a “heart” for the people of Mongolia. Like Jawkhlan, Ganbaatar’s lack of high level education was even seen as a bonus: “What university did Chinggis Khaan graduate from, huh?” a middle-aged supporter asked.
Two nights before the election, a ger district-dwelling family and I sat in front of the TV in a small brick home, watching the final debate. The family were open with their criticisms, tutting and shaking their heads at almost everything Enkhbold and Battulga said. They spoke back to the figures on the television regularly with a “Shaaal hudlaa!” (What a liar!) or a sarcastic “Oo saihan yarij bn” (How nicely he speaks). In contrast, Ganbaatar’s earnest propositions were followed with resounding expressions of approval, “Yag zuw!”, “Unen shvv” or “Tiishdee”. It was clear that this election had become largely driven by emotion. For those on the margins who have seen 26 year of democracy lead only to increasing inequality and economic turmoil, the fat cats at the top eating the country’s natural bounty, sweet words and promises from wealthy politicians mean little. “They’re all the same,” people repeated, “they’ll say anything and then, when they’re elected, they’ll do nothing but eat”.
While there were rumours of cash hand outs in the run-up to the parliamentary election last year, politicians also used fairly “clean” techniques in their attempts to attract votes, such as building a new road or the distribution of the Tavan Tolgoi shares. This year, however, cash was flowing everywhere. Phone calls were made back and forth and what felt like hundreds of cars descended on the neighbourhood. Suddenly the call would go around, “the car is here!” there would be a rush to check for one’s ID card and four or five people at a time would leave the ger to meet the car. After the doors closed, each person would be handed a 20,000MNT note and told, “Vote for Enkhbold! After you’ve voted, bring your little white paper receipt back to us”. The passengers would then be dropped off a little distance from the local school that served as a polling station to avoid police detection. The party workers, temporary employees who stood to gain a 300,000 MNT salary for 20 days of work, would also receive payment according to the number of ‘white papers’ they collected from voters. In some areas, parties were offering 100,000MNT for 30 papers, in other areas it was 100,000 for 5. An instant economy of white papers then sprung up: people bartered over them, sold them to one another and told each other to deliver them to so-and-so. As matters unfolded on the ground, people were also glued to Facebook checking for news. A Democratic Party car carrying 120 million MNT to be distributed to voters in Western Mongolian provinces caused a stir. It was clear that both parties would do whatever it took to win.
Ger district families were quick to take advantage of the parties’ activities. Some relatives who live in the countryside but were visiting the city had wrongly heard that they could vote anywhere. Believing they could vote in Ulaanbaatar, they didn’t return to the countryside in time for the election. That, however, did not stop them from getting in the car and pledging to vote for Enkhbold in exchange for an easy 20,000MNT. A couple residents under the voting age of 18 were able to collect the money. Every person I know who took the MAN party’s money and voted, voted for Ganbaatar. Indeed, people took great satisfaction in having out-hustled the “hustlers” (luiwerchin) who had tried to buy their votes. Although the money was a bonus and everyone chased it, there remained some ambivalence and debate over whether it was truly clean. “They’ll say they bought us poor people’s votes cheaply,” one woman exclaimed passionately, the 20,000MNT note hidden in her clenched fist, “but they’re wrong! They didn’t buy anything. We didn’t even vote for their candidate. And anyway, why shouldn’t we take the money? They sit up there eating everything without a care for us out here. There’s nothing wrong with taking a little back from what’s been stolen from us!” While there was disappointment with the electoral proceedings, no one seemed completely cynical about the election itself. People voted for Ganbaatar with their hearts and truly hoped he would win, even as they worried that with the amount of money being splashed around by the big parties, their outsider candidate would have no chance.
Polls closed at 10pm and the election circus around the bus stop began to clear. People returned home to hear the 10 o’clock announcement of the early results. There was great shock and happiness when it became clear that Enkhbold had done poorly. The local area had indeed elected Ganbaatar, despite the payments, and the countryside relatives were relieved to see that their homeland had also supported Ganbaatar, without their votes. While the AN candidate Battulga lead the race, Ganbaatar’s strong showing looked like it would force a run-off election as no candidate would reach the minimum 50% of the vote. That prospect was incredibly exciting as people felt sure in a two-horse, second-round race Ganbaatar would win. The results continued to come it as the night progressed, the family remained glued to the television until around 2am. By that point, the picture seemed clear and the large extended family one by one fell asleep in their little brick home.
The shock upon awakening to hear that in the night Enkhbold had somehow overtaken Ganbaatar cannot be overstated. Apparently, one province’s election centre had lost power during the count and when the power was reconnected, the numbers favoured Enkhbold enough to push him ahead of Ganbaatar. In the ger district, it was universally considered a fraud and a lie. People felt for Ganbaatar, they argued he had run a clean race – unable to raise the funds to distribute the kinds of cash that the other two candidates threw around – and yet, or perhaps therefore, he had lost. Some days of confusion and dismay followed. There was debate over how exactly the second round would be organised, but eventually it became clear Ganbaatar had been cut from the race: the second round would have no clean candidate.
In the days between the first and second round elections, the only positive people could find in the situation was the possibility that the second round election might encourage even bigger cash hand-outs. Ger district residents had heard from countryside relatives that up to 50,000MNT per vote had been being distributed and were excited at the prospect another cash bonus. This hope, however, was only half the story. Politically-speaking, people remained committed to Ganbaatar, or at the very least committed against the two remaining candidates. A plan began to form to submit black ballots at the very least as a protest against Ganbaatar’s stolen election and perhaps even to force a third election with three new candidates.
Rumours continued to swirl about the dark methods by which Enkhbold would assure his own victory: apparently, his party workers would collect people’s registration numbers and then ‘hack’ the electronic voting machines to ensure that those votes would go to him. Indeed, two days before the election a relative arrived at the home asking the family to write down their registration numbers and promising to give them 20,000. As it happened only two siblings were home at the time, one 19, the other 23. What followed was a tense but jovial negotiation. Their uncle tried to use his relative authority to ‘encourage’ them to write down all the eligible family members’ ID numbers, while the other two slid between positions, sometimes deferring to their absent mother’s authority (their mother being the uncle’s elder sister) telling him to ask her, and other times insisting that they be given the money up front or that they would only sell for a higher price. Eventually the uncle left to try to collect the neighbours’ ID numbers, telling the two he would be back in the evening.
The morning of the election came and went without event. The previous day the ruling party had released a sudden notice that the ‘children’s money’ (20,000MNT/month per child) that had been stopped for all but the poorest families since February would suddenly be restored: the full amount being automatically deposited into people’s accounts. Queues at the bank reached into the hundreds. For the ger district family, this development was a disappointment. As a poor family they had been collecting the children’s money every month as a vital part of their monthly income. As such, the windfall that came to richer families did not come to them at all: further proof in fact that the ruling party didn’t care about the poorest citizens. It wasn’t until the evening until Baatar burst into the ger announcing that there would be pay-outs after all. This time no car came and the eligible voters walked to the polling station. A phone call told them to wait behind a small shop that sells second-hand clothes. Then a further call told them to go behind the school. A third call then told them to vote first and collect the money afterwards. The family duly deposited their blank ballots and then began to congregate with neighbours and relatives outside the polling station. Rumours spread this way and that, and yet no money appeared. A middle-aged man told me, “It’s sad isn’t it to see how we Mongolians will run after only 20,000MNT. But what can we do? We need the money and if they’re going to give it out why shouldn’t we have some?” Tired of waiting at the bus stop, people headed home. Eventually that night the money came: another 20,000MNT each.
Despite his efforts, both black and white, Enkhbold did not win the election. Battulga defeated him and will be inaugurated today (the 10th). Ger district residents seemed to have lost interest in politics the day after the election. Some people even said, “Maybe it would have been better if Enkhbold had won: what can a AN president do in the face of a majority MAN parliament?” People were proud of their blank ballots: around 100,000 were cast across the country, but not enough to force another election. For the most part, however, things returned to normal: politicians don’t care about the ger district and their chronic absence speaks louder than the occasional sweet words ger district resident’s hear around elections. Ger district residents resumed their lives, briefly 40,000MNT richer but without any hope that positive change would be on the horizon.
795 Responses to “The Price of an Election: Split hopes and political ambivalence in the ger districts of Ulaanbaatar”
- 1
-
2
Vinsmoke Sanji wrote on 28 March 2023:
Bank of America Login Bank of America is a financial organisation that offers a variety of loans, investment services, and the greatest checking and savings accounts.Its headquarters are in Charlotte, North Carolina, and it offers millions of users a dependable platform.Regarding its network, Bank of America has more than 4,100 physical branches and 16,000 ATMs located all over the world, giving it a sizable offline presence.
-
3
Call Girls services in Pakistan wrote on 28 March 2023:
For those in need of a call girl in Pakistan, we have several options available. We hope you’ll find the ideal lifelong companion among the models in our inventory below. They’re all handpicked for their charm, intelligence, and good looks. Pick the person that best satisfies your preferences and needs. Contact us immediately by phone or WhatsApp if you have any questions about our call girls in Pakistan or our services.
https://callgirlpakistan.com/ -
4
Jeck Gibson wrote on 28 March 2023:
This blog will be very helpful and informative I would like to share it with my friends and colleagues they will be glad to read this blog if anyone wants to know more about Treat assignment help is very effective in terms of your education knowledge.
-
5
Jeck Gibson wrote on 28 March 2023:
This is the right place to read the blog because here we can get as much as information we want I am pretty sure if anyone read this blog it’s great to enhance their knowledge if you want to read more like this blog then Treat assignment help is a nice place for you.
-
6
Cheap escorts in Lahore wrote on 28 March 2023:
Escorts Lahore and foreign call girls abound here. We offer Lahore escorts. Our Lahore escorts are family-oriented. Lahore call girls from Pakistan and beyond. Our center’s escort. Our Lahore Call Girls provide outcall escort service in hotels and nearby regions. Lahore call ladies change your life. Our Lahore Call Girls will assist you. Introducing ourselves is exciting. Our Pakistan escorts are the same Lahore call girls who are mature, stylish, and uncomplicated. Pakistan escorts love meeting new people. When you call our Lahore escorts, those females will provide you with an important moment, those who want to do you, who want to perform a wise thing and enjoy it sensually. That’s wonderful. Do you have a lady who shares our most beautiful life with our escort service? Our escorts make Lahore females pleased with their looks. You need you. Flexible Lahore Escorts schedule. I’m a free escort service near Lahore.
https://vipbabes.online/ -
7
Hnry Thomas wrote on 28 March 2023:
This is a very unique and magnificent post with readable and informative content, I’m absolutely impressed. Thank you for sharing these amazing reads…..Sociology Dissertation Help to Excel in the Academic Career. Now, take the top quality writing assistance on the best topics suggested by the certified sociology experts. Hurry up and book now.more for
visit now - 8
-
9
John Snow wrote on 28 March 2023:
We are a new age, Tech-enabled On-Demand D2C eCommerce Fulfilment & Flexible Warehousing platform, co-creating a network of functional warehouses & 3PL operations across the country.
We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post.
Thanks -
10
female to male spa in indiranagar wrote on 28 March 2023:
Oil rubs have been displayed to assist with peopling nod off quicker and rest better compared to the individuals who don’t get ordinary back rubs. You rest soundly when your total body, including your muscles and considerations, is calm.
female to male spa in indiranagar -
11
Eli Norris wrote on 29 March 2023:
It is quite stressful for the students to deal with their incomplete coursework writing on an everyday basis. Stress is not the solution to your problems; the only solution is taking Our CourseWork Help from our best professional coursework writer. With the help of our best coursework writer, you can able to submit your academic work within the deadline. They can complete your work within very little time and without compromising the quality of your writing. They include the best research matters and relevant data that will enhance your work. Treat assignment help Australia is reviewed as the best writing company in Australia.
-
12
Roshni Sharma wrote on 29 March 2023:
This is a great topic. Whenever I’m checking on Facebook and see some Jewellery or whatever that I like, my first question is always, always, “OMG, where did they get that?” Now I know 🙂 and like this Ciero Jewels also provides Meenakari Jewellery, Kundan Jewellery, Traditional Jewellery, Customized Jewellery, and many more.
-
13
Amber Heard wrote on 29 March 2023:
Genex Logistics is a leading 3PL Company in India with a focus on cutting-edge Logistics Solution in India in Contract Logistics, Freight Forwarding, Shipping, Project Logistics, and Transportation. We help you drive business growth through our innovative Logistics solutions coupled with new-age technologies.
-
14
Heisenberg wrote on 29 March 2023:
Omneelab Software Development Company specializes in developing software and SAAS Applications for the Supply Chain space. The other leading products / Applications of the company are Order Management, Billing Management & Warehouse Management Software in India. The company also build a customized software application Integration for a variety of usages.
-
15
igoal slot wrote on 30 March 2023:
I am hoping to check out the same high-grade content by you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own.
igoal slot -
16
hokkieman wrote on 30 March 2023:
one of the bigges website to gain a lot of money at 2023. https://www.hb2021-europe.org/
download for free
free demo
free register
bonus new welcome 100%
-
17
kittymartin wrote on 30 March 2023:
Most Students find it difficult to complete their English Homework Help . But unable to get the assignment writing services due to expensive prices. Considering this problem Treat Assignment Help UK provides a 30% discount as the welcome bonus to students for English Homework Help.
-
18
Nehru Place Escorts wrote on 30 March 2023:
Thank you very much for your blog site is very nice and users for the best website.
If you are searching for unique entertainment while visiting the capital city of India then we are the best option for you. We are providing beautiful Escorts in Nehru Place for many years as part of our magic of call girl servicing. -
19
Mohagni wrote on 30 March 2023:
The finest and latest collection of Summer Dress Design is offered by Mohagni. This collection brings a large number of new designs, various colors, and amazing patterns. It makes you gorgeous and adorable at every moment. Select your favorite dresses for summer and enjoy them.
-
20
Danny Bell wrote on 30 March 2023:
The best option if you are looking for an eCommerce web development company UK . It is renowned and reputed that provides website development, digital marketing, SEO, PPC, SMO outsourcing and website designing services to customers. We have 10 years of experience in this field and the name of the company comes as a top digital marketing and website development company. In our company, we consider our clients a top priority. The company is committed to delivering quality services and solutions to its clients. The company believe in truthfulness and straightforwardness. With this, the company not only promises the clients to deliver the best services but also provides them.
-
21
female to male spa in marathahalli wrote on 30 March 2023:
female to male spa in marathahalli stimulates the lymphatic system, which removes waste from the body. Effleurage strokes are used in Swedish massage to encourage lymph drainage. By removing waste materials from the body, muscles become healthier and tension is avoided.
-
22
Otish Brown wrote on 30 March 2023:
If you’re an active PayPal user, you must know that signing in is the foremost step towards accessing its services. This widely used payment system permits you to transfer and receive funds securely. This guide will assist you in better understanding the PayPal login platform and how to sign up for it.
PayPal Login -
23
bellamajestic wrote on 31 March 2023:
come our b2b massage spa center majestic and get relax thank you.
- 24
-
25
banita mallia wrote on 31 March 2023:
the body to body massage spa is the best of all , so why dealy let’s take advantage of this one time opportunity , come and enjoy the all type of massage near me
-
26
ดรีมเกมมิ่ง wrote on 31 March 2023:
has to say that it is the most popular classic right now with online slot games. Which has more than 50 forms for members to choose from and many game rooms, the best automatic deposit and withdrawal, has a standard deposit and withdrawal system, is a quality direct website slot that you definitely can’t
https://www.888xbets.com/dream-gaming-bacarat/ -
27
female to male spa centre near nelamangala wrote on 31 March 2023:
A hormone that aids in controlling blood pressure and water retention, was found to be lower in blood samples obtained before and after the massage.
female to male spa near nelamangala -
28
metroshoes wrote on 3 April 2023:
Metro Shoes have been designed to enhance your comfort and style. From dress shoes to casual sneakers, Sandals,our wide variety of shoes will have you covered. We offer new design shoes for women and men’s.
-
29
body to body spa near me wrote on 3 April 2023:
Several forms of methods are used during massage therapy to calm, energize, and heal the body. It is one of the most well-liked treatments on body to body spa near me which is used to address a wide variety of mental and physical health issues.
-
30
body massage centers in madhapur wrote on 3 April 2023:
masage was introduced and found in the caves https://www.izspa.org/body-massage-centres-in-madhapur.html
-
31
chinyere wrote on 3 April 2023:
Chinyere offers a unique, stylish collection of Pakistani casual dresses for women. Our selection includes the latest trends in ladies dresses Pakistani, ensuring that you always look your best.
-
32
Belivepk wrote on 3 April 2023:
Belive Clothes is a women’s jeans wholesale,denim jeans for womens online, and we can provide you with the best jeans products. All Belive jeans are made with a flattering high waist, vintage washes, and a comfortable straight leg. Mix your favorites to create a signature look.
- 33
-
34
b2b massage near me wrote on 3 April 2023:
massage can help to lower cortisol in the body.which is the hormone associeted with stress.visit-body to body massage centres near me
-
35
Shop PinsStep wrote on 3 April 2023:
Make a fashion statement alluring with beautiful women’s shoes by PinsStep Buy Online in Pakistan. Take a look to new Collections of PinsStep Women’s Designer Shoes Glazing Fancy Heels. The combinations with the dress and the footwear make your personality more attractive. From Big to Small available all Sizes: 35,36 to 42,43,44,45 (Customize – Made to Order)
- 36
-
37
pooja gupta wrote on 4 April 2023:
South ex is the best destination in Delhi if you are expecting the best girls who are provide all your bed desire, choose South Ex Escorts VIP girls 100% genuine you can true all dreams with girls which are you imagined Read more visit website:-
-
38
KU Crystal USA wrote on 4 April 2023:
Buy KU crystal white clear color strong effect research chemicals in USA stock.Sell strong research chemicals KU Crystal USA vendor KU crystal
-
39
Cebto wrote on 4 April 2023:
I like to feel desired, I assure you that you will not regret it and scream with pleasure, I assure you. Cebto call Girl. are going to make your investment worthwhile, we’ll make the most out of every minute of our passionate session.
-
40
female to male spa near me wrote on 4 April 2023:
if you looking for best female to male spa near me then izspa is great place for you to enjoy holistic massage therapies
-
41
hbdhfbdfcb wrote on 5 April 2023:
your are a great author It’s contains many informative content chapter 7 lawyers near me
keep write more article like this -
42
srgrbxd wrote on 5 April 2023:
useful article
1st birthday wishes for baby boy from parents you can more images like this in my blog, -
43
ambking wrote on 5 April 2023:
The best of the ways to bet on สมัครบาคาร่าเว็บตรง good and efficient. Everyone is able to easily participate, place bets, do not have to wait long, do not have to capture any cue cards at all, be able to login to the No. 1 baccarat website.
- 44
-
45
spa in bangalore wrote on 5 April 2023:
It is great massage center for reducing stress and tension. visit- spa in bangalore
-
46
925silvershine wrote on 5 April 2023:
Spin rings, also known as fidget rings or anxiety rings, are designed to help alleviate anxiety and provide a calming effect by keeping the hands occupied with a repetitive motion. They typically consist of a band with an outer ring that spins around the inner band.
https://www.925silvershine.com/meditation/spin-ring -
47
aero wheel wrote on 5 April 2023:
https://aerowheel.co/
Shot blasting machines are also widely used in the automotive and aerospace industries, where the quality and reliability of the components are critical. In these industries, shot blasting is used to clean and prepare components, such as engine blocks, cylinder heads, and landing gears, for further processing.
Shot blasting machines are essential in many industries, particularly in surface preparation, cleaning, and surface finishing applications. These machines are used to remove contaminants, rust, and coatings, as well as to prepare surfaces for further processing, such as painting, coating, or bonding. -
48
pooja gupta wrote on 5 April 2023:
Udaipur city offers the best young and pretty Independent girls and women for your enjoyment, choose Udaipur Escorts Missdelhi Agency quality of service meet with honey girls and fulfilled all your desire with him more visit website:-
-
49
Aliza kat wrote on 5 April 2023:
Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It in truth used to be an amusement account of it. Look forward to more introduced agreeable from you! Thank You Visit Here :- Opal Engagement Ring
-
50
spa in nungambakkam wrote on 5 April 2023:
fill your mind with once in a lifetime fun with the body massage in nungambakkam we offer so don’t late come fast our center for best services thank you
Bank of America Login