KATHMANDU: Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhee Prasad Yadav has urged the government and political parties to create a fair and conducive environment for holding local level elections slated for May 14.

Speaking with media at his office in Kathmandu on Monday, Yadav also urged political parties to intensify their pre-election activities and voters' education in the far-flung areas in the country as well.

He further said that polls are considered as the backbone of democracy and requested all the political parties to take this opportunity of local polls going to be held in the country after two decades.

He also said the Election Commission was moving ahead in accordance with an action plan prepared for May 14 polls and requested the government and political parties to create a free and fearless environment for voters to cast their votes.

The chief of the constitutional election body also informed that ballot papers were printed for 71 districts whereas voters' lists have been printed for 67 districts.

Likewise, voters' identity cards were being printed for 60 districts, he informed.