Top leaders of the major political forces going on in Singha Durbar, a few hours ahead of the expiry of the Constituent Assembly's term, has so far given confusing signals as to whether the new constitution will be promulgated tonight.

The leaders have said they have been discussing the alternatives as they have failed to find common ground on federalism.

UCPN (Maoist) leader Post Bahadur Bogati said they have started discussion on the possible alternatives if the constitution is not promulgated by midnight today.

Emerging from the meeting, UML leader K.P Sharma Oli said the chances of the constitution being promulgated are very slim. "There is very slim chance," he told reporters.

The option of fresh election is also on the negotiating table.

Leaders of the Maoist party, Nepali Congress, UML, United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) and Broader Madhesi Alliance have been discussing on the possible way outs, said nepalnews correspondent Rajendra Pokharel from Singha Durbar.

If the Constituent Assembly meeting does not commence till midnight, the CA will be defunct thereby ruining the four years of costly exercise for the constitution of the federal republic. nepalnews.com