After the Nepali Congress (NC) topped both the direct and proportionate voting systems, its President Sushil Koirala said it is natural that his party should lead the government.
He, however, told a private television channel that NC will seek collaboration with CPN-UML, the second largest party, and other political parties to draft the constitution.
"Constitution drafting is the most important task before us and we need to collaborate with other parties including the CPN-UML," Koirala said.
However, the issue of power-sharing figured when CPN-UML chairman Jhala Nath Khanal met Koirala at his residence this evening and discussed the formation of the government, according to sources.
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The two leaders mainly discussed matters related to power-sharing, the sources said without giving details. The election of a new president also figured in the talks.
As no political party has got a clear majority to form a government on its own, a coalition is the only option available, analysts said.
CPN-UML was in second place with 22,43,447 votes. The Prachanda-led UCPN-Maoist, the largest party in 2008 polls, was routed and in third place with 14,38,666 votes.
Out of the 240 seats under the direct voting system, results for which have already been announced, NC has bagged 105 seats followed by CPN-UML, which grabbed 91 seats.
UCPN-Maoist was third with 26 seats and the remaining 18 seats went to Madhesi and fringe parties.