Ex-communists won 'fair' Mongolia poll: election watchdog

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

ULAN BATOR (AFP) — Mongolia's former communist party won a landslide victory in national polls, the country's electoral watchdog said Thursday as it dismissed vote-rigging claims that triggered deadly riots.

However, the announcement that the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party won Sunday's election drew renewed charges from the losing Democrats that they had been cheated of victory, heightening concerns of further unrest.

"I am deeply saddened that this vote was stolen. It was stolen and there needs to be a recount. The result is false," Democratic Party leader Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj told AFP from his office.

The MPRP won 47 of the 76 seats in parliament, while its main rival and former coalition partner the Democratic Party gained 26 seats, General...