Mongolia opposition demands partial vote recount

Mongolia's opposition leader demanded on Friday a vote recount in 12 areas, in a challenge to preliminary election results that showed the ruling Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) won a majority in parliament.

Allegations of cheating in Sunday's election led stone-throwing mobs to set the MPRP headquarters on fire, in a night of violence that killed five and prompted the president to impose a four-day state of emergency.

"We do need a recount of ballot papers in at least 12 disputed constituencies where our candidates may have won," Democratic Party leader Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj told Reuters.

His demand could dim hopes for stability in the windswept Central Asian nation after four years of fractious coalition rule that has undermined economic growth and held up mining deals seen as key to lifting the country out of poverty.