Earlier this week, around 5,000 people took to the streets of Ulan Bator to demand those same politicians fulfil the promises they made during the 2008 election campaign.

Both main political parties pledged to distribute cash handouts of around usd1,000 to every Mongolian citizen based on mining revenues.

Opposition MP S Oyun says the country cannot afford the pay-out.

"I think this is a very irresponsible policy. It was an easy way to gain votes in the election because there is so much poverty in Mongolia. The main challenge is to create jobs and income and give a decent living to the people."

But D Zorigt says the government is still committed to distributing the cash.

"Election promises need to be kept. Otherwise in a young democracy like ours, people lose trust in the government and political parties.

"And we are facing a significant economic downturn because of the global recession. So this should be seen as a way of enhancing consumption."

Whatever happens with the cash grants, in the short term, it seems likely the harsh winter will increase the numbers of people living in poverty.

Long-term, Mongolians know billions of dollars of new revenue from mining will flood the state's coffers. The challenge for the government will be to spend it wisely.