The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has taken an early lead in 44 constituencies as vote counting continues in the parliamentary elections, according to the Election Commission.

The CPN-UML, one of Nepal’s major left parties, is ahead in five constituencies, while the Nepali Congress, the country’s largest democratic party, leads in four.

The Nepali Communist Party is ahead in three constituencies, while other parties lead in two.

RSP, a relatively new political force, has emerged as the early front-runner as ballots continue to be counted across the country.