Iraqi Vice-President Tariq al-Hashemi met with the leader of Iraq's main Shiite party to discuss the formation of the new government, a government statement said Wednesday, DPA reported.
Al-Hashimi met with Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (SIIC) leader Ammar al-Hakim Tuesday to continue discussions which had begun before the March 7 parliamentary elections.
"The country is in need of unremitting and sincere efforts from all political fronts to form a national unity government to achieve real stability," al-Hashemi said.
He described the meeting as "a good opportunity to exchange views and congratulate one another on the success of the elections, as well as to discuss the issue of forming the new government."
Al-Hashemi, a Sunni, added that he is "keen to place confidence in the right person, regardless of his affiliation."
"There are reports of shortcomings and irregularities in the elections abroad. We presented reports to the electoral commission," said al-Hakim.
Preliminary results of the March 7 election are expected to be announced on Wednesday.
Iraq suffered a wave of attacks as millions went to the polls to cast their votes on Sunday, killing 26 people and leaving over a hundred injured.
Nearly 6,300 candidates from 165 parties in 12 coalitions are competing for 325 seats in parliament.
The SIIC is competing in the election as part of the Iraqi National Alliance, the main Shiite rival to Prime Minister Nuri al- Maliki's State of Law Coalition.
Television stations associated with Iraq's leading parties had projected a strong showing for the State of Law coalition and former prime minister Ayad Allawi's Iraqi List.