News & Events May 2009 - for travelers

Events for May 2009 that might have some impact on travelers

Elections Sunday May 24th
The main event in May is the presidential elections on Sunday May 24th.
The Presidential Candidates are Ts.Elbegdorj, from the Democratic Party and N.Enkhbayar, from the MPRP (Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party).

In a recent pole made by http://olloo.mn (Mongolian)
MNPR - Enkhbayar 50.87%
Democratic - Elbegdorj 49.12%

Controversy issues are - the amount of public share from major mining sites, free higher education, improving the judicial system.

Impact on travelers
Certain services and commerce will not be available on election day.
There will be no cultural events and no selling and serving of alcoholic beverages.
Security in UB will be tight.
Election day is a good opportunity to chat with locals on politics.

No cars day Sunday May 31st
In Ulaanbaatar a NO CAR day on May 31st. No vehicles will be permitted to move in the city.
All roads from Narantuul Hotel to East Center, from Peace Avenue to Youth Avenue, and from Geser monastery to Sansar district will be closed to vehicles from 6 am to 9 pm.

Impact on travelers
Don't expect a pickup from your hotel on that day. The municipality will organize a few social events.
It will be a great day to walk around the city.

Links
Mongolian Events on the calender at the bottom of the festivals page
Mongolian News links to all English sources of Mongolian news

Have a nice time in Mongolia

Dan

Thanks again Dan, great info as usuall! Do you have any idea where to find dates for different Naadams, or are they mostly held at the same time as in UB? I'm interested in Choibalsan esp.

Risto

In the main cities the Nadam takes place on the same dates as in UB, Saturday and Sunday July 11-12.
If you come early to Choibalsan you might come across the pre Naadam qualifying competitions, they take place near the Mormon Church in Choiblasan.

When in UB visit the tourist information at the main post office at the corner of the central Sukhbaatar square, they will call up the city and get current information on what is going on - in and around Choibalsan.

Have a look at pictures by Robert of Naadam at Choibalsan from last year.

Enjoy east Mongolia

Dan