Pakistani ex-PM Nawaz Sharif has been holding talks with party colleagues on forming a government, after claiming victory in parliamentary elections.
Unofficial results suggest a big lead for Mr Sharif's Muslim League (PML-N), though he may need support to govern.
Former cricketer Imran Khan, who could be the main opposition leader, said he was pleased with the high turnout but disappointed about reports of rigging.
The ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP) seems to have been badly beaten.
It was one of several secular parties unable to campaign freely due to Taliban attacks.
Most of the remaining PPP seats look likely to be in its heartland of Sindh province.
Saturday's election should pave the way for the country's first transition from one elected government to another.
The poll was generally seen as having passed off successfully, but violence on Saturday claimed at least 24 lives.
An election commission spokesman said turnout had been around 60%. In 2008 it was 44%.
'Path of democracy'
Mr Sharif is expected to become prime minister for the third time, his last period in office ending 14 years ago in a military coup followed by his trial and exile.
The BBC's Mike Wooldridge in Islamabad says he is already getting down to business, starting work on putting together a government.
Our correspondent says that even if his PML-N does not have an outright majority, its projected margin of victory suggests it will be in a much stronger position than the PPP was at the head of the outgoing coalition.
Mr Sharif should at least not need to seek the support of his main rivals, the PPP and Imran Khan's Movement for Justice (PTI), analysts say.
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