The 54-year-old representing the Democratic Party topped the polls with 38.64 per cent of the votes, putting him 7.89 in front of Mongolian People’s Party candidate Miyeegombyn Enkbold.

They will now face off in another poll on Friday (July 7) to determine who will replace Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, who has been President since 2009.

The second vote is taking place after no candidate claimed an overall majority.

A third candidate, Sainkhuugiin Ganbaatar of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party, is no longer participating after finishing bottom of the first vote and refusing to recognise the result.

The election has proved to be controversial with corruption claims surrounding it, with Geert-Hinrich Ahrens, head of an observation delegation from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, expressing concerns of bribes being given to voters.

According to Reuters, although he said no bribery action has been witnessed, the rumours were "rather massive".

Khaltmaa has led the Mongolian Judo Association since 2006 and under his stewardship, the nation’s judokas scored the first Olympic gold won by the country.

It came via Naidangiin Tuvshinbavar with his podium topping performance in the men’s 100 kilogram competition at Beijing 2008.

He added a silver medal to his name at London 2012, despite having a torn ligament in his left knee.