Five killed in Mongolia post-election riots

Updated July 2, 2008 20:37:28

The protesters took to the streets of the Mongolian capital, Ulan Bator. [ABC News]

The Mongolian justice minister says five people are dead and more than 300 have been injured in Mongolia's post-election riots.

At least one foreigner, a Japanese citizen, is among those injured.

The minister says some 700 people have been detained for their part in the violence.

President Nambariin Enkhbayar declared a state of emergency for four days late on Tuesday, after protesters clashed with police and set fire to the headquarters of the ruling party.

The state of emergency means protests are banned and authorises security forces to break up protests using force.

Central areas have been put under curfew from 10 pm to 8 pm and alcohol sales are banned over the period.

Riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters on Tuesday, but struggled to bring the crowds under control.

Protesters threw stones, burned cars and gathered in their thousands in the main square of the capital, Ulan Bator, to protest against alleged election fraud.

Conditions have since calmed with a heavy police presence guarding government buildings.

Election result

Mongolia's election committee has yet to give the final result of Sunday's vote, but preliminary results give the ruling Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) a clear majority in the 76-seat parliament.

The General Election Committee of Mongolia has vowed to press on with vote-counting.

The leader of the opposition Democratic Party Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj has rejected the results, but international observers say that overall the election was free and fair.

The US embassy in Ulan Bator says it is "deeply concerned" by the violence and has called for both parties to work together.

Analysts and foreign business executives in Mongolia have downplayed the violence, saying it was not supported by the majority of Mongolians and are describing it as teething troubles for a young democracy.