The election canvassers at my door the other night quickly deduced that I would not be eligible to vote in the upcoming presidential election due here on 24th May! The current incumbent (from the ruling ex-communist party) is pitched against a coalition led by the opposition Democrats.

The picture above was taken in the aftermath of parliamentary elections last summer which led to a riot here in the centre of Ulaanbaatar, amid allegations of electoral fraud. Public buildings were burned, at least five people were killed, and troops and tanks were deployed here to enforce a curfew afterwards.

Above: one of the buildings burned in last year’s election protests. Churches here are praying for a different outcome this time.

Both main blocs have accused the other of dirty tricks in the current campaign, but for now, the atmosphere is calm. Mindful of what happened last year, churches are praying for the election, and for righteousness to prevail through it.

As with many post-Soviet countries, there was initial euphoria at the arrival of democracy here, with all that it promised. But here, as elsewhere, the euphoria gave way to despondency, as corruption took hold, and the promises failed to materialise. This year, there is the added stress caused by the worldwide economic downturn, which Mongolia has not escaped. Whoever wins the election on 24th May, will face enormous challenges, and possibly not least, allegations of electoral malpractice.

Please join with the churches here in praying for a fair outcome to this election, and for good government to prevail as a result.