Mongolia election centers on spreading mining boom wealth in fast-growing but poor nation
ULAN BATOR, Mongolia — Mongolians are voting for a new legislature, going to the polls by foot, car and even horse for an election centered on how best to distribute the benefits of Mongolia’s mining boom.
Both main political parties promise to ensure that the boom benefits more Mongolians. The central Asian country had the world’s fastest-growing economy last year, but a third of its people live below the poverty line.
Polls and commentators are giving the opposition Democratic Party a slight edge in Thursday’s poll over the ruling Mongolian People’s Party, though neither is projected to get a clear majority.
A close election four years ago ended with Democratic Party accusations of fraud and led to riots that left four dead. This time, voting is being tabulated by machines for the first time.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Both main political parties promise to ensure that the boom benefits more Mongolians. The central Asian country had the world’s fastest-growing economy last year, but a third of its people live below the poverty line.
Polls and commentators are giving the opposition Democratic Party a slight edge in Thursday’s poll over the ruling Mongolian People’s Party, though neither is projected to get a clear majority.
A close election four years ago ended with Democratic Party accusations of fraud and led to riots that left four dead. This time, voting is being tabulated by machines for the first time.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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