Mongolia's opposition demands partial vote recount

ULAN BATOR, July 4 (Reuters) - 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) winning 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.

The opposition leader's demand could dim hopes for stability in the the windswept Central Asian nation after a four-year period of fractious coalition rule that has undermined economic growth and held up long-delayed mining deals seen as key to lifting Mongolia out of poverty.

The General Election Committee has yet to declare an official result, but said an initial count showed the MPRP taking 47 seats out of 76 in the Great Hural, with 26 seats for the Democratic Party and the remainder divided between smaller parties.

International observers say the election, in a country that is seen as a rare example of democracy in Central Asia, was largely free and fair, even though there was some confusion over a new system of multi-member constituencies.

A previous election in 2004 resulted in a hung parliament and troubled coalition rule. Further political uncertainty could hold up major mining deals that could unlock the vast reserves of copper, coal, uranium and other resources beneath the country's vast steppes and deserts.

The biggest project at stake is at Oyu Tolgoi, also known as Turquoise Hill, backed by Ivanhoe Mines (IVN.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) of Canada and Rio Tinto (RIO.AX: Quote, Profile, Research) (RIO.L: Quote, Profile, Research). (Reporting by Irja Halasz, writing by Lindsay Beck; Editing by Benjamin Kang Lim and Ben Tan)