Mongolia Lifts Emergency Rule After Deadly Election Riots

Ulan Bator, Mongolia (AHN) - Mongolia on Saturday removed a state of emergency imposed following deadly clashes erupted in the capital Ulan Bator early this week.

On Tuesday, fatal protests led to the deaths of five people and left 300 wounded, after hundreds were detained in riots over alleged fraud in the general election.

Country's first state of emergency was lifted four days after deadly riots as the reports said calm had returned to the city, but police and military personnel continued to patrol the streets on the capital city.

Mongolian Prime Minister Sanj Bayar announced that the authorities and parties will look in to the accusations of alleged voting fraud in parliamentary elections by law.

Local reports showed that the ruling Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) won a majority of seats in the elections held on Sunday.

Prime Minister Bayar accused the leader of Democratic Party, Tsakhia Elbegdorj, for misleading people and increasing tensions leading to violent protests.

But international observers, who were stationed at several polling booths in the country, said the election was free and fair and it was not rigged.

Observers said protesters were mainly demanding the government to stop corruption and frustrations boiled over widening rich-poor divide.

The national election commission has until July 10 to announce final results of the elections.