Is Mongolia's young democracy viable? It's still an open question. More than a week after July 1 post-election riots, opposition Democratic Party leader Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj has yet to accept the poll's results. How he proceeds will say much about the country's future.

The ruling Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party won a parliamentary majority of 45 seats in late June elections. The Democratic Party won 28 seats, with smaller parties making up the difference in the 76-seat chamber. But instead of accepting defeat, the opposition leader stirred mass protests with allegations of cheating, all broadcast on television. After the dust settled, the MPRP headquarters was burned, five people were killed, and more than 300 injured.

The violence may have subsided by now, but tensions remain high in the halls of Mongolia's Government House. Weekend talks between the Democrats and the MPRP over how to resolve the conflict ended inconclusively and both parties have retreated to their respective corners without a clear way forward.

As a career politician in a nation where the rule of law is mostly respected, Mr. Elbegdorj should have known better. Mongolia has a process for dealing with fraudulent voting -- through the courts. This process was put into action back in 2004 when, through recounts and one re-vote, it worked smoothly and peacefully. Yet, at this juncture, Mr. Elbegdorj and his fellow Democrats would be unwise to pursue the same course of action.

The Democrats are being largely blamed for fomenting last week's violence. New voting would only go against them. They must first allow the General Election Committee to reach its final results and if there are disagreements, respect the rule of law and take their case to the courts.

If the courts uphold the Committee's decision, the Democrats must find new leadership to help them regain the public's trust -- and then put together a viable party platform. For too long, the poorly organized Democrats have relied solely on their reputation as "defenders of democracy." Rather, they should seek to combat Mongolia's corruption problems and bolster the country's economy.

Read more...

Be first to comment this article

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.

Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.3.0