Mongolian Presidential Candidates Running a Tight Race

Candidates in a dead heat Mongolian presidential election have cast their ballots. Meanwhile, election officials are urging the media not to report on unconfirmed fraud allegations.
Its a tight race between incumbent Mongolian president Nambariin Enkhbayar of the ruling Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP), and opposition Democratic Party (DP) candidate Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj.

Residents and investors alike are hoping the election will mean that Mongolia can start to tap its vast mineral wealth and set about lifting its people out of poverty.

Unrest and ensuing legal struggles following last years parliamentary elections left five dead.

Any similar disruption during the presidential election could postpone approval of a draft investment agreement on developing the pivotal Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold project.

Mongolia has been hit hard by falling mineral prices.

Incumbent Enkhbayar has pledged to beef-up the rule of law while his opponent Elbegdorj promises a change and the fighting of corruption.

Elbegdorj says he feels very positive.

[Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, DP candidate]:
"Yes, good, I'm good, I'm confident (The people) are participating actively. I wish you health and all the best. Thank you."

The latest survey puts the two parties in a statistical tie.

Results may come as soon as Sunday or early Monday, but could take longer if it is a tight race.

The country's general election committee is urging the media not to report on any unconfirmed allegations of fraud.

[Namsraijaviin Luvsanjav, General Election Committee Head]:
"The media and television are showing comments from ordinary people and there are many different things being said about fraud and cheating, information that is not confirmed. The spreading of unconfirmed information while the election is in progress might influence the voting process."

Allegations of cheating led stone-throwing mobs to set the MPRP headquarters on fire on July 1 last year.

Category:

News & Politics

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• NTD
• Mongolia
• Politics
• President Election
• Nambariin Enkhbayar
• MPRP