DP strife leads to protests at Sukhbaatar Square
In connection with the registration of S.Erdene, nominated by the Democratic Party (DP) group led by M.Tulgat for the 2021 presidential election, the DP group led by lawmaker O.Tsogtgerel started a sit-in and hunger strike at Sukhbaatar Square on May 5. They assert that Head of the GEC P.Delgernaran “grossly interfered” in the party’s internal affairs and violated the rights of thousands of DP members to vote and stand for election.
Due to his physical condition, lawmaker S.Ganbaatar decided to participate in a sitin instead of a hunger strike, and legislator A.Adiyaasuren stopped her hunger strike due to the same reason.
Members and supporters of the party gathered at Sukhbaatar Square to show support to DP lawmakers and expressing their views on May 8 to 9, when nationwide lockdowns were eased.
Moreover, the DP group led by M.Tulgat staged a peaceful demonstration on May 8. They tried to visit the members of the DP group who were on hunger strike, but the gathered protesters opposed to let them in.
In connection with the hunger strike, on May 7, President Kh.Battulga and Speaker of Parliament G.Zandanshatar visited the lawmakers.
The speaker said, “We must uphold the rule of law. There is no one-party dictatorship. The DP needs to solve its issue internally. I came to talk to you without politics. If you do not stop it, I will sit here and go on a hunger strike with you. Please come to our room and talk.”
“I met with Chief of the Cabinet Secretariat Ts.Nyamdorj. He showed the fact that DP’s seal was forged,” the president said.
Leader of DP O.Tsogtgerel noted that it is not easy for the party to reach an agreement internally.
Lawmaker N.Altankhuyag said that the speaker of Parliament should establish a working group, and it must decide which is correct.
Ts.Tuvaan also expressed that the hunger strike will continue until the GEC makes a decision without the influence of any party.
The State Emergency Commission sent a formal request to the protesting DP members to stop their activity, stating that this poses a risk of spreading COVID-19.