ULAN BATOR — Mongolians headed to the polls on Friday in the country’s first-ever presidential runoff after the first round of elections failed to produce a clear winner following campaigns tainted by corruption scandals.

Businessman and judoka Khaltmaa Battulga of the opposition Democratic Party (DP), who led the first round, faces parliament speaker Mieygombo Enkhbold of the ruling Mongolian People’s Party (MPP).

Enkhbold eked out a mere 0.1 percent victory over the Mongolian Revolutionary People’s Party’s Sainkhuu Ganbaatar in last week’s election, which was mired in controversy.

Ganbaatar cried foul and demanded a recount, but the result was eventually confirmed.

Mongolians disillusioned by their politicians launched the "White Ballot" campaign, also dubbed "#WhiteChoice", to encourage people to submit blank ballots.

Mongolian election law stipulates that a candidate must garner at least 51 per cent of the vote to secure the presidency. If neither candidate reaches this number, the parties will be required to nominate different representatives for an entirely new election. — AFP