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Ulaan Baatar (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Mr Nambaryn Enkhbayar win Sunday's presidential elections. He polled 53,4% or the more 900,000 votes cast. He is competing against three other candidates. His main rival, Mendsaikhan Enkhsaikhan from the Democratic Party, polled 20%.

Mr Enkhbayar, who was Mongolia's prime minister between 1990 and 1994, said on Monday that Mr Enkhsaikhan had called to congratulate him on his victory. "He suggested that we work together. I replied that I am really looking forward to working together with all the contenders," Mr Enkhbayar said.

Mr Enkhbayar, a former prime minister and a leading member of the ex-communist Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP), branded itself as socialist and democratic. He replaces Natsagiyn Bagabandi, a former communist whose second term in this fledgling democracy ends this month.

It is the fourth such race since this vast country of nomads and grasslands reverted to democracy 16 years ago. Until 1989, Mongolia was ruled for 70 years under a communist dictatorship imposed by the Soviet Union.

The nation's 1.3 million voters will be hoping the new president will help reduce high unemployment and inflation. It is estimated that nearly a third of its 2,5m people live in poverty.

In the run-up to elections, the capital saw protests demanding an end to corruption and a more transparent electoral system. Demonstrators also held sit-ins in front of Government House and hurled eggs and tomatoes at the building. Legislative elections last June failed to produce a clear majority, triggering a standoff between the MPRP and the Democratic coalition.

In a compromise move, Tsakhia Elbegdorj, a liberal from the coalition, was appointed prime minister and Mr Enkhbayar was made chairman of the parliament.

Mr Enkhbayar's victory in the presidential election could tip the balance of power decisively in the socialist party's favour, giving the MPRP control of both the presidency and the chairmanship of the parliament.